Rising junior in piano performance and pedagogy at Samford, Allison Frederick, was nationally selected as one of six teaching assistants at Interlochen Arts Camp, one of the most prestigious music camps in the world. Sitting between two beautiful lakes in northwest Michigan, the camp serves as a hub of creative energy where over 3,000 artists gather to find inspiration and connection each year.
Interlochen offers students the opportunity to develop their performance abilities while receiving professional instruction from leading artist-instructors from all over. Legendary piano pedagogue and co-author of over 300 books including the Alfred piano series, Dr. Gayle Kowalchyk, and Maria Grant were Allison’s supervising instructors. Together, they expressed Allison’s lasting impression as a natural leader as she ran practice hour for the young campers.
“She is always encouraging and comes up with creative ideas to make learning fun,” Kowalchyk and Grant said. “She has a quiet calmness about her and shows empathy for the students in any situation. Recently, she taught one of our keyboard musicianship classes and came up with a great mirroring activity which helped the students play together better as an ensemble. We see a bright future for her!”
“Interlochen was incredible,” said Allison. “My favorite part was getting hands-on experience and being able to apply the skills I’ve learned in the real world.”
Allison also made connections with her fellow teaching assistants, all of whom were graduate students representing Ivy League schools, including one from the top piano pedagogy university program in the country.
“It’s amazing connecting with the other TAs who are doing what I want to do after I graduate,” said Allison. “I wouldn’t have gotten this experience if I didn’t come to Interlochen, and I’m just so grateful.”
During her time at Interlochen Arts Camp, Allison was able to immerse herself in the holistic community of artists from around the world, while forming friendships and connections with others in her field.
“As Allison’s teacher, I am so very proud of her accomplishments and her acceptance into this extremely competitive position,” said Jason Terry, Associate Professor of Piano at Samford. “I know she’s going to take these experiences and use them to shape her into an amazing artist-teacher who is sought after by many, many individuals.”