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Heidi Castleman
A Suffern, N.Y., native who grew up in West Nyack, Heidi Castleman earned her B.A. at Wellesley College and her M.M. and Ph.D. in musicology at the University of Pennsylvania. She has taught at the Philadelphia Musical Academy, New England Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and Cleveland Institute of Music, and has been a Juilliard faculty member since 1995.
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| Heidi Castleman |
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Who was the teacher or mentor who most inspired you when you were growing up? Dorothy DeLay was the big influence on me. She had that rare ability to see the whole person and visualize what he/she could become if given good information and invited to give up irrational behaviors. I learned from Miss DeLay that logical learning sequences make it much easier to learn how to play! As time goes on, I appreciate more and more how sensitive she was.What was the first recording that you remember hearing or buying? What was its significance to you?Berlioz, Harold in Italy; I think Carlton Cooley was the violist, with Toscanini and the NBC Symphony. As a teenager, I listened to it constantly, wearing fairly deep grooves into this LP! This marked the beginning of my affinity for composers who had manic tendencies (Berlioz, Schumann, Wagner). What's the most embarrassing moment you've had as a performer?While in college I performed with the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, which toured Mexico for eight weeks. On live television, the conductor, Michael Senturia, whirled around and gave the downbeat to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. For some reason (which, to this day, I do not understand), I was the only person to come in. I had just made my solo debut in Mexico!If you could have your students visit any place in the world, where would it be, and why?Travel is the best education; visiting other countries and observing other cultures opens up so many possibilities. I hope that each one of my students will be able to either study or work abroad at some point. If a student were choosing a place solely for musical purposes, I would suggest somewhere where he/she could be immersed in the Hungarian style. This does not necessarily mean Hungary! Most likely it would mean somewhere in Austria or Germany, but it could also mean elsewhere, like Prussia Cove in Cornwall, England.What are your non-music related interests or hobbies?My favorite pastime is reading, particularly novels set in other eras and cultures, but also books about history, current events, and leadership. I find washing dishes and "cleaning up" entertaining, probably because it is stress-free and gives me the illusion that things are in order! My taste in TV shows has improved: from General Hospital to Law and Order and Charlie Rose.What is your proudest accomplishment in life?I have taken great joy in my good fortune in having so many wonderful teaching and leadership opportunities. Seeing students and former students achieve their own dreams, whether that means starting a Suzuki school in an underserved area or winning an international competition, probably gives me the most pleasure of all.What "words of wisdom" can you offer young people entering the field today?Quality of artistry matters; noticing and caring about others' needs is the key to understanding how music can be meaningful for them as well as for oneself.How did you make the decision to become a teacher?After two lessons with Dorothy DeLay, I knew I had to teach. I thought then, as I do now, that there is no greater privilege than to assist young artists in fulfilling their dreams.What recent performance has had a big impact on you?The Metropolitan Opera "Ring" cycle. For me, after 18 hours, the "Ring" cycle has redefined time. It seems that only a moment has elapsed. At the conclusion of Göttedämmerung, I am ready to begin again. Part of this is because James Levine has a sense of balance and proportion that allows the "Ring" to unfold as a whole. Also, this music's magic immerses me in my connection to my mother, who (although she had to leave Germany in 1939) still gave me a strong sense of my German heritage.What is your favorite thing about New York City?Tumult!Is there anything you'd like to add?Yes! Although Juilliard is not always an "easy" place to be, I adore teaching here. Students, faculty, and administration all seem energized by what they believe in and by what they do. While dealing realistically with the world as it exists now, the vision of music belonging to all of society—held by many at Juilliard—offers a meaningful environment in which to do creative work.
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