Brenda Trautman

Her mother set up practicing and family concerts as a serious affair, but her father was into high drama and sounded like a sportscaster when he’d yell “Bravo!” Her siblings would pile into the living room not to watch and listen to their sister or brother play, but to watch their father.

Baxtresser said she has always taught amateurs, as did her teacher Julius Baker. Amateur students’ needs, she noted, are the same as those of professionals—to improve. The enemy of the amateur is time, therefore it is critical that their time in the practice room is positive and not frustrating. Play simple melodies like “Danny Boy,” she suggested, not Dutilleax melodies. “If you do sincere work, you have the right to be on stage,” she said. “Perfection belongs in the practice room, but you have to embrace your humanity on stage. It’s an adventure. If you want guarantees, don’t go on stage.”