Podcast Summary: Speaking Soundly – Episode Featuring Anne-Marie McDermott

Podcast Information:

• Title: Speaking Soundly
• Host/Author: Artful Narratives Media
• Description: Your ticket to backstage conversations with world-renowned musicians. Join MET Opera Principal Trumpet David Krauss for candid and compelling discussions with today’s top performers as they speak about their creative process and lives as artists.
• Episode: Anne-Marie McDermott
• Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction to Anne-Marie McDermott and Her Musical Journey

Ann Marie McDermott begins the episode by highlighting her extensive career in music, emphasizing the collaborative nature of chamber music as a cornerstone of her success. She states:

"I can tell you what has made me a success is everything I learned from playing chamber music. You have to know how to advocate for your idea. You need to know how to compromise. It's going to take you down a notch because, no, you're not running the show. This is collaboration."
[00:54]

David Krause, the host, introduces the essence of the podcast, emphasizing backstage conversations with top musicians. He welcomes Ann Marie to his apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, sparking a friendly dialogue about New York City's vibrant music scene.

Family Dynamics and Music in the McDermott Household

The conversation delves into the unique dynamic of the McDermott sisters in classical music. David expresses surprise at encountering only one of the three successful McDermott siblings after a long career.

Ann Marie McDermott explains:

"The McDermott I know is your sister Maureen, who plays the cello, and your other sister Carrie plays the violin. Do you ever think about the odds of three sisters having successful careers in classical music all within the same city?"
[02:02]

Carrie McDermott shares insights into their upbringing:

"It's kind of freaky, to tell you the truth, and especially that we didn't come from a musical background... There is a brother, there's a younger, he's the baby. ... having two sisters in the same crazy business that I'm in."
[02:17] - [02:38]

The sisters recount their childhood, marked by a disciplined yet musically rich environment fostered by their non-musician parents. Their mother, a former Irish step dancer, played a pivotal role in exposing them to various artistic disciplines despite her husband being tone-deaf.

"Both my parents were non-musicians. ... My mother... she had a philosophy with raising her kids to expose us to everything."
[03:38] - [05:30]

The Spark of Musical Passion and Overcoming Adversity

Carrie McDermott reminisces about her early inspirations and the profound impact of witnessing a piano soloist at a young age:

"I think one of the great sparks in my life regarding piano was my mom taking me to a concert... seeing this big, black, shiny instrument on stage with a spotlight on it in front of an orchestra. To me at that age, that was completely glamorous and powerful."
[06:21] - [07:03]

She reflects on the balance between joy and technique in music, emphasizing that while technical skills can be learned, the joy of playing is what sustains a long-term career.

"The joy factor is what will get you through. When you talk about a career being decades long, the joy factor is what will get you through the ups and downs."
[07:41] - [08:45]

Educational Path and Early Performances

Carrie discusses her education, highlighting her time at the Manhattan School of Music's pre-college division while being homeschooled during the week. This arrangement provided her with both musical training and a social environment with like-minded peers.

"We had to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning... My mom would pack lunches... just in between classes, hanging out in the lobby with other kids like us."
[08:53] - [09:55]

A pivotal moment in her early career was performing a concerto at Carnegie Hall at the age of 12. Remarkably, she approached this high-pressure situation with fearlessness and joy, focusing solely on the music rather than the prestige of the venue.

"It was Mendelssohn. G Minor Piano Concerto. To me, it was just, Yep, let me out on stage. Let's go at it and let me see how loud and faster I can play."
[10:00] - [11:09]

Transition to Jazz and Personal Growth

The sudden loss of her mother at age 14 profoundly impacted Carrie, leading her to rebel against classical music. This emotional turmoil catalyzed her shift towards jazz, where she found a new avenue for expression and independence.

"I really rebelled tremendously. I stopped caring about music, playing the piano, couldn't care less."
[12:38]

Despite this rebellion, Carrie's innate ability to sight-read and adapt allowed her to excel in accompanying and performing across various genres. Her fearless approach enabled her to tackle complex pieces under challenging circumstances.

"I can learn anything, which is... is a good thing and a bad thing."
[15:33] - [16:28]

Philosophy on Musical Expression and Technique

Carrie McDermott shares her deep-seated belief in the importance of conveying music from within. She emphasizes the necessity of imagining the sound internally to produce magical performances, a philosophy that guides her mastery of the piano.

"If you can hear it in your head, your fingers will obey you."
[17:02]

Her experience as a juror at the Clyburn competition reinforced her commitment to authentic musical expression, allowing her to discern pianists who genuinely care about their sound from those who merely play the instrument.

"If it is not in your head, in your imagination, you're not going to produce anything magical."
[17:07]

Career Achievements and Recognition

Carrie reflects on her unconventional educational path, including being dismissed from the Manhattan School of Music due to her non-traditional approach to studies. Surprisingly, this setback later turned into an honor when she received an honorary doctorate from the institution.

"I got booted. I still have the letter, and I deserved it... I actually called... I said, forgive me, but is this a joke?"
[18:38] - [20:25]

Her illustrious career includes memberships with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, solo performances, and over 15 years as the artistic director of the Bravo Vale Music Festival in Colorado. These roles underscore her ability to blend performance with leadership and curation.

Artistic Direction and Leadership at Bravo Vale Music Festival

In her role as the artistic director of Bravo Vale Music Festival, Carrie leverages her chamber music experience to foster collaboration and elevate musical performances. She underscores the importance of advocacy, compromise, and prioritizing the collective musical vision over individual accolades.

"The music is greater than any one of us. It's greater than the sum of all the parts who are in the ensemble."
[20:53]

Her ability to communicate meaningfully with both performers and audiences is paramount, creating an environment where music serves as a universal language that bridges diverse experiences.

Balancing Solo Performances with Chamber Music

Carrie discusses the distinct challenges and rewards of solo performances versus chamber music. While chamber music thrives on interaction and mutual communication among musicians, solo performances demand a deeper personal connection with the music and the audience.

"It's harder because you're not communicating with anybody else on that stage. You have to go so deep inside your own mind and your own heart with the music you're playing."
[22:50] - [23:50]

She highlights the necessity of this balance, which has been instrumental in her success and fulfillment as a musician.

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

The episode concludes with light-hearted exchanges about navigating the bustling atmosphere near Zabar's, a renowned New York City establishment. Carrie humorously admits that her musical training doesn't aid in dealing with the everyday chaos of city life, emphasizing her grounded and relatable personality despite her artistic achievements.

"No, nothing helps. You still get like the little old ladies bashing into you because they want the chicken salad before you."
[24:11] - [24:17]

Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

Ann Marie McDermott and David Krause wrap up the episode by expressing gratitude for the enriching conversation, celebrating Carrie's impactful career, and teasing future episodes featuring other renowned musicians.

Notable Quotes:

1. Carrie McDermott on Chamber Music Collaboration:

   "You have to know how to advocate for your idea. You need to know how to compromise. It's going to take you down a notch because, no, you're not running the show. This is collaboration."
   [00:54]

2. Carrie on Finding Her Voice:

   "If you can hear it in your head, your fingers will obey you."
   [17:02]

3. Carrie on the Joy Factor in Music:

   "The joy factor is what will get you through. When you talk about a career being decades long, the joy factor is what will get you through the ups and downs."
   [07:41]

4. Reflection on Receiving an Honorary Degree:

   "I just didn't show up for stuff. I didn't show up for half of my piano lessons with Constance Keane, who was my teacher. And so at a certain point, I received a letter that you're dismissed from Manhattan School of Music... I actually could resist. It's hanging on my wall right behind my piano."
   [18:38] - [20:25]

Conclusion:

This episode of Speaking Soundly offers a profound look into Carrie McDermott's life as a dedicated musician, highlighting her resilience, collaborative spirit, and unwavering passion for music. Through candid discussions, the podcast illuminates the intricate balance between personal growth and professional excellence in the demanding world of classical and contemporary music.