What part of your experience at Rocky Ridge was most memorable?
The setting is something else. I’ll never forget walking up the hill to the practice cabins and hearing melodies filling the air from every direction. I loved the unique relationship I developed with each bird-named cabin and its piano. I would be remiss not to mention the consistently delicious food served at camp – my favorite dessert was the strawberry shortcake.
I also have so many memories of my friends and I laughing together. I loved our outings into town, hiking adventures, performing at the Stanley Hotel, our banquet and talent shows, playing games in the lodge; truly all the fondest memories.
Why Rocky Ridge?
I learned about RRM through my piano teacher who attended the camp in its early days with Beth Miller Harrod. She shared wonderful memories about the music, the beautiful setting, and the friends she made, and encouraged me to experience it for myself.
Rocky Ridge is an incredibly special place that truly helped shape my growth as a pianist. Camp was the perfect mix of serious, dedicated work, fun quality time with like-minded people, and peaceful retreat in nature. I made amazing friends, some of whom I’ve stayed in touch with since.
The faculty were always warm and supportive, never judgmental; I felt challenged and motivated. They helped me improve my technique, gave me tools to practice effectively on my own, and helped me battle performance anxiety. I learned how to become absorbed in my playing and take control over my performance.
Rocky Ridge was where I really got to discover how much I loved practicing and performing with other musicians. I learned how to help run a rehearsal and got comfortable posing ideas to the group. I loved that we could feed off of one another’s energy, making each run through feel unique and dynamic.
What skills did Rocky Ridge teach you that you’ve carried forward into the future?
I completed my undergraduate degree at Stanford, where I majored in Biology and minored in Creative Writing. I love stories, and I think storytelling is a critical aspect of both music and medicine.
I have chosen to pursue a career in medicine, but I still consider myself an artist. I have already found myself bringing creativity into my first two years of medical school, and I intend to continue to do so as a physician.
I have also been able to find my own approach to studying medicine, which I certainly attribute largely to the self-discipline I learned through years of practicing piano.
Of course, a great deal of medicine is straight science and facts, which I love learning about. But there is a real art to medicine, as well; it is also full of uncertainties and complex cases that require creative thinking, collaboration, and empathy.
Music has shown me the breadth and complexity of human emotions and the importance of genuine connection.