Suzuki Teacher Training - Every Child Can & Guitar Book 1

Francesca Boerio, a member of the Guitar Faculty, has been awarded The Clifford-Levy Creativity Grant to pursue Every Child Can & Suzuki Guitar Book 1 Teacher Training. This professional development opportunity includes completing the prerequisite Every Child Can course, which introduces the philosophy and teaching methods of Shinichi Suzuki, as well as the foundational Suzuki Guitar Book 1 Training.  

As a former Suzuki student, Francesca is deeply inspired by the method’s focus on learning by ear, active listening, and fostering a supportive musical community. She aims to integrate these principles into her teaching at Diller-Quaile, enriching the experience for both her students and colleagues. With this training, Francesca will further develop a community of young guitarists at the school and beyond, elevating her teaching practice, and inspiring her students to excel and engage more deeply with music. 

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Cocteau - Solo Piano Album Recording

Isabelle O’Connell, a member of the Piano Faculty, has been awarded The Clifford-Levy Creativity Grant to fund the editing, mixing, and mastering stages of her solo piano album Cocteau. The album features piano miniatures inspired by the French artist Jean Cocteau, with works by composers such as Germaine Tailleferre, Georges Auric, Erik Satie, Igor Stravinsky, and Francis Poulenc, along with a recent commission by Rhona Clarke. The album will be released by the Divine Art label once completed. 

This project grew out of Isabelle’s research into composers who collaborated with Cocteau, many of whom have written short piano works that are not widely known. By recording these pieces, Isabelle aims to share these hidden gems with a broader audience, including Diller-Quaile’s piano students. The album will introduce students to important yet underperformed works, particularly by the neglected female composer Germaine Tailleferre.  

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Juilliard Evening Division, "Elements of Composition"

Olga Radović, a member of the Piano Faculty, has been awarded The Clifford-Levy Creativity Grant to pursue an advanced study in composition. Through this project, Olga will take a course at The Juilliard School focused on composition techniques, form, and style. The course includes weekly assignments, score analysis, and workshops with expert performers, providing Olga the opportunity to compose and present three new works by the semester's end.

Olga's deep commitment to lifelong learning and comprehensive music education has led her to explore composition independently over the past few years. She believes that developing composing skills will enhance her musicianship, creativity, and teaching. By studying composition in a classroom setting, Olga aims to connect more deeply with the music she performs and teaches, offering her students a more nuanced and dynamic learning experience.  

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 Jazz Recording Project 

Mark Wade, a member of the Double Bass Faculty, has been awarded The Clifford-Levy Creativity Grant to fund an upcoming jazz recording project. Mark, who has been an influential presence in both the NYC jazz and classical music scenes for over 20 years, is preparing a new album with his jazz piano trio. The album will feature nine arrangements inspired by classical compositions, blending classical and jazz elements to create innovative vehicles for improvisation. Works such as Chopin’s Prelude in D Minor and Gorecki’s Symphony No. 3 will serve as the foundation for this unique project. Mark’s previous albums, including Event Horizon and Moving Day, have received international acclaim, and this new project is poised to further elevate his career. The funds requested will support the significant costs of recording and releasing the album.  

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