Biltmorejuly

Yesterday, Ryan, Dad and I spent our time at the Biltmore Estate, where we toured all day. The whole area is incredible. This man was so rich that he could build a house that had over 33 guest bedrooms, each with its own style and name! I couldnt help but thinking, "What musical key is each of these rooms?" I guess thats Brevard rubbing off on me...I would not be able to do the estate justice to try and explain all of the rooms, gardens and the special tour that we took on the rooftops and attics of the mansion; the estate is something that everyone should see. It made me fascinated about the Vanderbilt family and how they lived, not only at Biltmore, but up in the north.Overall, the "weekend" spent with Dad and Ryan was really nice, and Im so glad that they took the time to come visit me :)

Im back in Brevard now, and im on the home stretch...I leave saturday morning. Im having a rough time with getting back into shape, piano playing-wise. I am doing lots of slow practicing and sleeping...im also making international friends! Tomorrow is the beginning of the end, with some big concerts! more later!

Oops! I forgot to talk about the amazing masterclass we had tuesday with Elizabeth Pridinoff. She is fantastic!! She makes me want to do graduate work at CCM (if i could get in, ha) so that i could study with her. As my friend put it, "She plays more manly than any man!" But she is more than just loud noises and great technique...she was interested in the music and what it expressed...She started the masterclass by saying that the most important function of music was communication. I looove this attitude and have considered it to partially be my own! She is definitely an inspiring teacher who is straightforward and seems to have similar personality traits to my own.