Suzanne Newcomb: Artist, Performer and Educator
Credit Devon Cass
By Debbie Feiler, marketing director for New Albany Symphony Orchestra
Suzanne Newcomb is a Columbus-based professional pianist and principal pianist for the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. She splits her time between teaching at Otterbein University and at her home studio. Newcomb plays with area orchestras and chamber groups as much as her schedule allows. We chatted with her ahead of her appearance with the New Albany Symphony Orchestra in Choral Fantasy on Sunday, March 9.
Debbie: What led you to being a professional musician, and when were you drawn to the piano?
Suzanne: I started lessons when I was five. My mother says I was always self-motivated to practice. I’m also one of those rare people who always knew what I was going to do professionally. I went to conservatory a year early to get the process started and never looked back.
Credit James D. DeCamp
Debbie: In addition to performing, you are also a piano teacher and Otterbein lecturer. Do you prefer one to the other: teaching versus performing?
Suzanne: The two jobs complement and balance each other perfectly in terms of energy. Practicing is often a solitary experience, which as an extrovert is probably why I love collaborative piano so much! I also really enjoy my students – I teach a variety of ages and feel I’ve made a difference in their lives. But teaching also involves a lot of pouring out of precious energy in a way that’s different from performing. I learn so much from my students through their experiences. Explaining and guiding others about the art of the piano enriches my own playing immensely.
Debbie: What is the best advice you can give to a young student pursuing a career in music?
Suzanne: In today’s world as a musician, you need to have a wide range of skills to be successful. Be prepared to work every day on making connections and practicing your craft. I prepare my piano students to be good sight readers so they can learn new music quickly. We are lucky to have so many different opportunities for us if we’re willing to collaborate! Also, I would tell young musicians to say “yes!” to any reasonable opportunity at first. You never know what you might enjoy or find particularly fulfilling as a musician. You might be surprised and discover a whole new genre or way to make a living as a musician.
Credit James D. DeCamp
Debbie: What is your best source of entertainment/artistic inspiration in Columbus?
Suzanne: We are blessed in Columbus to have so many excellent concert series. I prefer smaller chamber concerts (Sunday at Central, Chamber Music Columbus, St. Mary’s and more) but also regularly attend Columbus Symphony and ProMusica concerts, even if I’m not playing. We have many guest artists at Otterbein. Commonly, they work with our students in a master class, and the faculty will take them out after their recital. I’ve made lots of new friends this way – it’s so inspiring to hear about their musical life and experiences.
Debbie: What music are you listening to in your spare time or while you’re driving?
Suzanne: Yacht Rock! All the male voices fit perfectly in my alto range. And I know every word! My favorite SMX station is Pop Rocks. Of course, I spend time listening to what I’m working on with the score, but in my spare time I need something completely different, especially after a long day. And we musicians have long days!
Suzanne will be featured as guest pianist for Choral Fantasy with New Albany Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m. at the McCoy Center for the Arts in New Albany. Visit newalbanysymphony.com or call the CBUSArts Ticket Center at (614) 469-0939.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.