Frankly helping young musicians

Pamela Frank
Violinst and teacher Pamela Frank says she learns more from her students than they learn from her.
Photo courtesy of IMG Artists

Many of the world's greatest classical performers give master classes as a part of their concert tours. During these sessions aspiring musicians take turns playing for the "master," often in front of a small audience.

Acclaimed American violinist Pamela Frank doesn't much care for the term "master class." She says it's pretentious and presumptious. Frank prefers to think of master classes as workshops, in which someone with slightly more experience can objectively assess, help and inspire young performers.

Since suffering a hand injury, Frank has concentrated on education. She was in the Twin Cities Wednesday evening to conduct a master class at the MacPhail Center for Music. The event was part of the grand opening of the institution's new facility in downtown Minneapolis.

In a conversation with Minnesota Public Radio host Steve Staruch, Frank said she wants to help aspiring musicians play with fun and passion, and without fear and self-consciousness.

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