Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Practice Notes was founded to build community and inspire better practice.
Claire Druffner is a senior in high school who loves playing the cello. In 2019, she was invited to play on From The Top Show #381 in Key West, FL, with co-hosts Elena Urioste and Peter Dugan. Claire has attended festivals including Greenwood Music Camp, Heifetz International Institute, and Meadowmount School of Music. Claire was honored to be named a 2020 Texas Young Master. She currently studies with hear amazing teacher Norman Fischer. Claire hopes to use her love of music to spread empathy and understanding.
Claire started Practice Notes to promote the importance of problem-solving in the practice room. During the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 while Claire was in quarantine, she began to see lots of progress in her practicing due to a new mindset. Claire started getting to the root of her technical and musical problems and finding clear solutions through observation and experimentation. Claire believes that through self-awareness, problem-solving skills, patience, and innovation, everyone can improve in ways they never thought possible. Claire also recognizes the importance of community and believes that through the sharing of information about practice solutions, all musicians can learn from each other and improve together.
Claire currently serves as Co-Executive Director. You can find her on Instagram @clairepracticing.
Sarah Tindall is a 19 year old cellist studying Music Performance at the New England Conservatory with Lluis Claret. She has participated in numerous festivals including the Bowdoin International Music festival, Curtis Summerfest, and YellowBarn’s Young Artist Program. You can hear a snippet of Sarah’s playing on show 378 of NPR’s From The Top along with numerous collaborations within the From The Top community. Sarah has performed and received lessons with many notable musicians including Maestro Yannick-Nezet Segun, Sir Simon Rattle, Maestro David Robertson, Steven Doane, Zuill Bailey, and others. In her spare time, Sarah loves to collaborate with other musicians, teach cello, and share ideas.
Sarah started Practice Notes when she saw the lack of community within the COVID pandemic amongst many peers trapped in their practice rooms, and the hunger in other musicians to share and receive motivating ideas. She loves to see how others grow, and can’t wait to see the Practice Notes community fulfill this passion.
Sarah currently serves as Co-Executive Director. You can find her on Instagram @stindall_cello.