Teaching
 In his teaching, masterclasses, and
ensemble coaching across the country, Charles Russo has had an important
influence on a great many young musicians--much of what he has
accomplished, he attributes to his work with the great French musician
Marcel Moyse at the Marlboro Festival. Mr. Russo has been on the faculty
of the Manhattan School of Music for more than 20 years, and also
teaches at the Hartt School of Music (University of Hartford), and SUNY
Purchase. His previous appointments have been on the faculties of Yale,
Vassar, and the New England Conservatory of Music.
He is a featured artist and teacher on the festival circuit, having
appeared at the Spoleto (Italy), Casals, Marlboro, Caramoor, Sarasota,
Mostly Mozart, Waterloo, Festival des Artes (Brazil), and Sandpoint
Festivals. Residency Services
for Mr. Russo offer a variety of teaching opportunities.
 |
"He is one of the finest and most
versatile musicians I have been privileged to know in a long music
career. He is an inspiring and demanding teacher who changes students'
lives, teaching them to serve the great art of music. To me, Charles
Russo is a shining example of the complete musician."
– Gunther Schuller, Noted conductor,
composer, and scholar |
|
"In all my years as a performer and as
dean of two major conservatories, I have seldom found the combination of
virtuoso performer and extraordinary pedagogue in one musician. It is a
rare conjunction, too often one gift seeming to exclude the other. But
this fusion of talents abundantly exists in the person of Charles Russo.
Years of critical acclaim for his performances prove the first, and a
long list of superbly schooled disciples attest to the latter. He is
firmly established among the elite."
– Paul Wolfe, Former Dean, Manhattan
School of Music |
|
"No faculty member is requested more
often in chamber music by Hartt students than Charles Russo. He
represents the epitome of ensemble coaching."
– Ron Borror, Director Instrumental
Studies, The Hartt School |
|
"Charles Russo and I go back many years
in the music world of New York. He was already a legend when I started
and some of my fondest musical memories are of the clarinet solos that
he played in opera and onstage. He has always figured substantially in
my musical experience and in my personal history. Whenever Charlie was
around, everyone felt better and played better. He not only raised the
musical level of performances, he brought a true concept of sound that
was so pure that everyone, whether strings or percussion, tried to
emulate it."
– John
Goberman, Executive Producer, "Live From Lincoln Center" |
|
"... a man that has the knowledge and
experience of a great tradition. Some may call it 'old school', but I
prefer to call it 'the way it ought to be'. Charlie taught us not only
about style, approach, the intimate details of pitch and rhythm,
phrasing, etc., but also more importantly, how to be able to do it on
our own. That experience... has given me the experience and skill to not
only successfully approach virtually any piece of chamber music, but has
given me valuable tools as a coach and teacher myself, both on the
university and secondary levels."
– Brian Kilp, Professor of Horn, Indiana State
University |
|
"As his student, I learned that some of
my most valuable lessons often had nothing to do with the clarinet...
his lessons in musicianship and in the nuances of the interpretation of
music remain with me. He was able to improve the performance of a group
sometimes before hearing them play a note. No longer a student, but
having moved on to another phase of my professional life in music, I not
only still draw on the concepts and techniques I learned from him, but
still look for new opportunities for collaboration with him. He is a
rare man and musician from whom I feel lucky to have been able to
learn."
– Philip
Ponella, Head of Public Services, Sibley Music Library, Eastman School
of Music |
|
"I have yet to encounter a musician and
master teacher with the same abilities and expertise as Charles Russo.
He has taught me more in five minutes of a woodwind quintet rehearsal
than hours of coachings with other renowned artists. He not only knows
exactly what needs fixing, but knows exactly how to fix it. He
has shown me what my musical standards should be, and how to attain
them. He is a giving person, and enjoys helping young musicians reach
their fullest potential."
– Michelle Coletta, DMA Candidate (full scholarship),
University of Minnesota |
|
