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Opera |
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Ballet |
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Piano
Master Classes |
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Piano
Teaching |
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Teacher
Pedagogy |
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Parent
Lectures |
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Music
Through the Ages |
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Adjudications |
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Newspaper Article |
Opera
"The
Girl of the Golden West was so good, I couldn't blink!"
Robin Hinson, age 11, MacLean, Virginia
"…absolutely the best storyteller I have ever heard. She really put
feelings into it. I hope my parents will take me to see the real opera."
Melissa Tan, age 8
"I
went to see Turandot in Toronto. It was great! The story was just like
you told us. My favourite part was the riddles…I knew all the answers!"
Holly Thompson, age 9
"You
made me feel the passion in the music and words of Fanciulla in a way
that would seem impossible in these cynical and musically illiterate
times. I shall look at my first ever Fanciulla with a delicious mixture
of anticipation and understanding."
Barbara Scott, 2001
"In
the best moments of theatre and literature, one steps outside one's
usual viewpoint and gets a glimpse of something larger. I'm not sure
how it is achieved, but I do know there were such moments in your workshop
[about Girl of the Golden West] last evening."
Cathy Philips, 2001
"You have a special talent for making opera meaningful beyond the storyline
and for that we are grateful."
Dan Presley, 2001
"…the
most engaging introduction to an opera that one could imagine…with flow,
enthusiasm and drama this (very attractive young) woman held the audience
in thrall…a vibrant introduction to opera."
Dibs Rhind, 2001
"I
just got home from your performance and I want to listen all night."
Elin Graholm, 2001
"Thank you for doing this - keep me on the list."
Dibs Rhind, 2001
"…I became so involved with the story and characters that when Liu died
[in Turandot], I, too, wept."
Stacia Huh, Parent
"This
master story-teller and eloquent musician exquisitely entwines words
and music. Her dramatic presentations enthral listeners of all ages
and must be experienced to be believed!"
Susan Hammond, Classical Kids
"It
was wonderful to see the way you unwrapped the opera…you have inspired
me to consider the ways I interact and educate the young people to whom
I am pastor."
Rosie Best, Ohio, 1997
"I was moved by the glorious music and remember the energy and magic of your workshop…You have reignited my passion for opera." James Selway, Washington D.C.,1999
"What
a huge success! Here's what I've been hearing - fabulous, wonderful,
dramatic, exciting, convincing…Thank you so much for bringing opera
to Ancaster."
Donna Barnes, 1999
"With her captivating blend of drama, music and humour, Clayton [Scott]
fills to overflowing every venue she visits. No wonder she is in such
high demand throughout America!"
James Selway, Associate Director World Children's Choir, Washington,
D.C.
"You
exude energy, joy, and such a love of life. And you are so knowledgeable.
We have learned so much [about La Traviata]…When I came up after
your lecture to speak to you, a woman who was in front of me had just
said to you that this was the first time she had ever really enjoyed
opera…That woman echoed my sentiments exactly! You are magnificent!!!
You are so compelling when you speak. All eyes and ears where riveted
on you the entire hour…I guess it all boils down to understanding -
your ability to single out four important words [in the whole opera]
is marvellous. Everything was marvellous! I loved every minute of it."
Barbara Rottenberg, March 2001
"You
are an absolutely AWESOME storyteller! Though Ryan is very young, he
has been talking about Iago [from opera, Otello] and we have been discussing
the different meanings behind the music. Everyday I looked forward to
coming to your class. You have opened a door to give me the curiosity
and appreciation for opera!"
Audrey Carter
"You
are a fabulous speaker and storyteller extraordinaire. We look very
forward to your next visit."
Paula Cote, Ottawa, 1999
"It took me an hour to stop crying after you did Aida."
Diane Moody, 1999
"Thank
you again for coming to our school! Because of you we had a large number
of kids buy tickets to see The Gypsy Baron preview night!"
Natalie, Sir James Douglas Elementary School, Victoria BC, April
2002
"I am so happy to have met you here in Kingston. You have made my stay
and the teacher training very special. Watching you perform the Madama
Butterfly opera is an incredible experience. I feel this immediate connection
with you and every word you say. I will recommend your performances
to all my friends and to anyone who wishes to understand and experience
the emotions of an opera. Seeing you perform live is like no other medium;
you are a true artist."
Arek Sawzdorgo, July 2002
"A
creation is truly a blessing and given by grace. I have to keep believing
that love and compassion for life is really all that is real - there
is no other security. When the world is operating on a premise of fear,
it's sometimes hard to keep that flame alive. And that's why what you
do is so crucial. You can give people hope and inspiration through poetry
and music and story-telling. We need to hear the stories that speak
of passion, of faith, of bravery and courage, but most of all of unselfish
love. It's hard to reach that awareness of life and to keep it, but
the journey is all we have and all we need."
Jim Selway, 2003
"I
think Fanciulla is terrific! I am excited about the families being exposed
to the music and to the story and setting. What if you used any left-over
time to compare Minnie to the other heroines, particularly as many have
heard your Turandot and will be seeing La Boheme in May with Virginia
Opera. I was so struck by your analysis of the steady development of
the female character through Puccini's operas. The neverending theme
of great art I think is love and the elusive, but redeeming character
of love…I am thrilled for your success and your debut as dancer, singer,
musician, storyteller, and artist with the symphony. Clayton, you are
a great artist with as you acknowledge, complete command of the material
and of the performance. And you are unique. That makes the logistical
concerns challenging but the results so splendid. We are so fortunate
to have you come to us. You are not only telling stories and illuminating
people and times (the Overtons still talk about the straw under the
dresses and propped up 18th century hair dos!), but you are awakening
people's hearts. You and I put ourselves on the line when we create
and perform. It's hard sometimes because we don't always know if the
other perceives the truth we have found in the music, in the material.
But we keep on learning and creating and leave the outcome to God. I
have been thinking of the very special people in my life with whom I
share reminders of the reality of trust and faith and truth. We inspire
one another to keep doing what we are led to do."
Jim Selway, 2003
Ballet
"I
have discovered a new art form: I have discovered what Clayton does
and that is a new art form."
Kevin Bell
"You are not only an artist, but I believe you to be a profound one
who knows how to marry form, expression and feeling. And who understands
art that way and can CONVEY IT!!!!"
Ian Burgham, February 2003
"Thank
you for a most enjoyable evening last night…You gave a most engaging
and informational presentation [of Swan Lake]."
Ian Howey, February 2003
"My favourite part was A Midsummer's Night Dream by Mendelssohn and
you told the story in the music. I think you are the best storyteller
in the world!"
Katy Nickerlchok, Gloucester, age 9
"I
love [the ballet] Onegin and [the opera] Tosca - I hope to see them
in Toronto."
Lisa Carew
"Your presentation of [the ballet] Romeo and Juliet gave us all
insight into the remarkable teacher and woman you are. I would not be
alone in confessing that I was moved to tears by your dedication and
your passion. We are filled with anticipation of your arrival in January
to present [the opera] Tosca."
Ola Spec, Ottawa, 1998
"Your
gift of storytelling absolutely makes the music come to life. We all
especially enjoyed [the ballet] Onegin."
Jeanne Scott, Kansas, 2000
"Every
history class should have such a gifted teacher! I hope we'll be lucky
enough to get tickets for [the ballet] Romeo and Juliet."
Penny McPherson, 2001
"Thank
you for a most wonderful performance [of Swan Lake] last night. You
have the innate ability to bring music alive, and in such a way that
we can really live it!"
Maria Rossiter-Thornton, 2003
"Your
performance [of Swan Lake] was fantastic! So fascinating, artistic,
and I love how you incorporate the dance into it. It really was beautiful."
Taylor Sutherland, 2003
"…Tom
and I loved last night's performance [of Swan Lake]. So inspired are
we, that my Valentine's present to Tom is two tickets to Swan Lake (and
believe me, he's a reluctant balletomane). I only hope the ballet is
as good as you and your talented students."
Susan Main, 2003
"On behalf of the West Shore Symphony Orchestra we would like to thank
you for your magnificent performance of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty.
Through the insights presented during the pre-concert lecture and your
dramatic telling of the story, you really made the story come alive
for our audience! We have very much appreciated the opportunity to work
with you."
Beth Anderson, WSSO Board President, 2002
"Thank you for your wonderful stories about Swan Lake and the operas.
I really thought they were interesting and look forward to Mom taking
me to see them."
Rebecca Saggiama, 2002
"I have seen Swan Lake several times but it never meant as much to me
as when clearly described by Clayton Scott. A wonderful experience."
Scott Lupin, Elmira NY, July 2002
"You
have created a unique niche, give so much information, and entertain
people at the same time (everyone is riveted to your every word). You
make music's history come alive in a way that is absolutely unique…and
you deserve accolades, recognition and fame for what you have created
and deliver so brilliantly."
Carole Bigler, November 2002
"Clayton, all your intelligence, competence, brilliance and hard work
have created a marvelous, unique approach to music that is truly compelling
and magical to receive. I am thrilled beyond expression…I can't wait
to hear more of your presentations."
Valery Lloyd-Watts, 2002
"I
feel I've not only been to Romeo and Juliet and seen the entire ballet
performed right before me, but I also learned something about the music
and the background to boot."
Cathy Phillips, 2002
"What a national treasure you are. After hearing and watching you [perform
Swan Lake], no one who was there will ever feel the same way about either
the music or the ballet."
Val Brandt, 2002
"Thank you again for including Matt, he enjoyed [your performance of
Romeo and Juliet] as well…When we left he mentioned that he would like
to go see Romeo and Juliet. You definitely did your job well if Matt
has an interest to see a ballet after your talk!"
Callaway Scott, February 2002
"Had
Shakespeare never penned his plot,
The Montagues and Caps. not fought,
Prokofiev his muse not sought,
I'd not have learned what's never taught,
Nor heard the brilliant Clayton Scott!"
Joanne Mackay-Bennett, February 2002
"Thank you for inviting me to your Swan Lake presentation. It was well
constructed, insightful, creative and of course, beautifully presented.
I do hope we can figure out a way to do something together soon."
Michael McNamara, Feb. 2003
Piano Master Classes
"You are such a delight! You have so many creative ways of looking at
musical pieces!"
Celine Mehta
"Passion! Your example was invaluable! Thank you for giving us a new
perspective and excitement for music! Ren and Brittany are so proud
of their "great piano hands" and "superior brains""
Kim Lawson
"It's always exciting and refreshing to see and hear "Dr. Suzuki" in
action through the teachers of his wonderful method. You have a particular
gift of showing students how to bring out the life of a song and get
excited about it. Thank you for encouraging and challenging my children,
Rachel and Daniel too, to appreciate their talents and abilities more."
Marcia Richler
"I
just wanted to tell you something my daughter, Mandy, said after the
master class she never realized how much she had accomplished in music
until she played for you."
Susan Hartford, Ottawa, 2001
"As a parent of a teen, how can I state well enough how much it means
to have such a talented and accomplished musician and teacher, as you
are, meet my son's mind and heart in such a way that he was invited
to think of his playing as an adult would. He thought of his playing
as mature self-expression and a significant accomplishment, but still
with room to be inspired to yet greater beauty and technical ease as
he continues to grow as a musician. You have such a wonderful way with
teens…a contagious love for every tiny aspect of music. Thank you. Thank
you. Thank you."
Nancy Pinck, Ottawa, 2001
"I have been so energized since witnessing the wonderful clarity and
insight of your teaching. I have continued my work with deeper love
of the details that make music richer and have been inspired to even
more exploration into the music and its soul"
James Selway, Washington D.C.,1999
"Thank
you for you generous, incisive musicianship. You give unhesitatingly
of your tremendous talent and energy and affect so many lives in a profound
way."
James Selway, Washington D.C.,1999
"Sincere thanks for a wonderful weekend of instruction and encouragement.
Your positive approach and sincere commendation have been so motivating
to my students. I am also the one benefiting!"
Marlyn Chown, Peterborough, 2000
"Your master classes were without a doubt among the best I've ever heard,
and your faculty session was fantastic. We're already looking forward
to having you back again."
Anne Tanod, Ottawa, 2001
"I wanted to express my appreciation for the job you did with Katie.
I was taken aback with how effective you were with her. The attention
to detail, the emotion that went into the music - most of all the encouraging
words to her. You were honestly worth every minute and every penny of
Five years in Kingston. I only wish that I could clone you in Dayton,
Ohio. Not only do I appreciate what you did with Katie, but I find myself
quite often telling friends about your class and how remarkable you
are…"
Becky Morris, Dayton Ohio, 1997
"Parents
and students at the Great Plains Suzuki Institute at Emporia State University
spoke so highly of your work. I knew they would. I am very grateful
to you - your talent for bringing music to life for young people and
adults is recognized and appreciated by all."
Dr. Elaine Edwards, Kansas, 1997
"Thank you so much for all your energetic teaching today. You truly
were an inspiration to myself, fellow teachers, and the students. Everyone
is asking when we are doing this again!"
Cheryl Graham, 2001
"Thank
you so much for the teen lecture last night. It was very, very good
and refreshing!!!"
Billy, Richard, and Vickie Chyan, 2003
Piano Teaching
"Thank you for making my girls, Emily and Nicole feel special about
their ability to play the piano at such a young age. They also remember
having their hands float like balloons at the end of a piece of music.
I found the lecture particularly encouraging and reassuring that all
the hard work of practicing is worth it."
Cindy F.
"Thank you so much for all the great ideas that you gave me for my song
allegro. It has really helped me in polishing my piece. Thanks also
for all of the encouragement! I had a great time!"
Rachel Richler
"Thanks
for your input on how to interpret my Prelude and Fugue in C minor,
it was needed and I'll ignore what I don't like. Also, thanks for teaching
history in Kingston, and for the jelly beans."
Cainna Bauer
"Thank
you Mrs. Scott for helping me in Short Story. I am getting better at
it and I am practicing the left hand walking."
Angelica Atkins
"Thank you so much for your encouragement and enthusiasm. Thomas thoroughly
enjoyed his lesson. As his mother, I really appreciated your creativity
for the very young students."
Irene and Thomas van Stout
"It was quite thrilling to watch you teach. Your knowledge, passion
and love of music are exhilarating… "
Patricia Wilde, 1995
"Clayton, you absolutely changed this child's musical path. I will always
be thankful for being blessed in working with you."
Becky Morris, Dayton, Ohio, 1998
"…your passion for music and the young people shines out and my students,
their families and I are the richer for it."
Pat Henshaw, 1998
"You
are a true Inspiration and we thank you for bringing the joy
of music into our home."
Judy, parent
"I love piano lessons because you are my teacher!"
Simon
"…the exciting way in which you teach, express and "nourish" the music
in all of us."
Taylor Sutherland, 1993
"You have made me realize something - I have a feeling for music, that
I do have a gift [at the piano], that I was born with it in my soul
and I will carry it with me always."
Rachel Lipton, 2000
"I know my life would have been completely different if I hadn't studied
with you for so many years. I know that I am where I am today because
of your teaching. And that includes all the performing, all the exams
and all the amazing friends I met in your studio. So thank you for inspiring
me to (finally) finish this A.R.C.T. and to continue on to more musical
endeavours."
Kristin Graholm, 2003
"This is the best music lesson [adjudication] I've ever had! Honestly.
It is just amazing!"
Joanne Dong, 2002
"Thank you very much for your love and support this fall. I would not
have been able to keep playing piano without you."
Erica Brisson
Teacher Pedagogy
"I just wanted to thank you for all your valuable expertise you were
so willing to share…all day long and well into the night!! You were
so very helpful and encouraging to our students; and to us,
the teachers, as well - I could see you started getting hoarse around
9pm - and still we pressed on!! I can't remember ever getting so much
from one guest clinician! Today I'm thinking of more questions to ask
- I haven't stopped analyzing the day yet. So thank you so
much (I wish you had been my teacher when I was a teenager - those
lucky lucky kids - - )"
Kristine Gore, Ottawa, 1993
"It was a well balanced presentation of life in the classical era, and
then on a more practical side there we so many suggestions for us to
incorporate into our teaching."
Roberta Dickson, 2002
"The teachers I spoke with after [your presentation] were so inspired,
as I was! Thank you for putting your all into your teaching,
history classes, and lectures. We all notice and appreciate it very
much!"
Cheryl Graham, July 2002
"None of us will ever be a Clayton Scott, but are there things we can
do to incorporate just a bit of what she does in out own studios?"
Susan Baher
Parent Lectures
"Your thoughts, advice and encouragement on the Friday night were both
useful and entertaining. I try to remember, each time I sit at the piano
with one of my boys, your opening statement - that I am giving him the
most precious gift. Your comments relating to the celebration of little
steps, the acceptance of a where a child is now and so many more were
inspirational."
Ola Spec, Ottawa, 1998
"Your [parent] lecture moved me to tears."
Diane Strope, Pine City NY
"It
was the first time I heard Clayton Scott do a parent talk. It was superb!"
Anon., 2002
"Clayton was so inspiring in her talk to parents, I didn't take notes,
I just sat back and tried to absorb it all."
Susan Baher
Music Through the Ages
"I really loved Music Through the Ages. Not only because of the stories
but because of your enthusiasm and expression. You made me want to learn
about opera. See you next year."
Andrew Allen-Parrot, age 10
"I love the sound of your voice. Music Through the Ages never gets boring."
Sunny Cowell, age 11, New York
"Thank you for a lovely week of Music Through the Ages! I always have
so much fun in that class. I take ballet and I love to sing, so its
just so cool to learn about all these ballets and operas and composers
and librettists. See you next year!"
Hannah Marshall, age 12, Vermont, 2000
"I loved your stories!!! I'm coming again next year to hear more."
Emily McPherson, 2001
"Thanks so much for providing Music Through the Ages. You make music
history interesting by talking about the times as well as the music.
I am very interested in how people dressed and what they did very long
ago. I think it is amazing that you can take so much out of so little,
like notes! Your class is my favourite and I wouldn't miss it for the
world. How do you analyze the music so well and bring it down to what
the composer/person is thinking? When I got Yum Yum's part in the Mikado,
I had to give them my schedule to sign up for voice lessons. And I would
have missed any class but yours!"
Tamara Mitchell
"While I know Clayton puts many hours into preparation of each class,
she is so at home with her material, so enthusiastic and so able to
integrate knowledge of an era's music with its society in general, that
material flows so naturally as to make the learning process almost effortless."
Dr. Anne Richards-Bentley, 1994
"After each class we wait with great eagerness for the next… "
Maria Rossiter-Thornton, 2000
"Your Music Through The Ages gets more and more profound each year.
Your ability to bring music alive in the hearts for all those who are
fortunate to know you is truly a great gift."
Maria Rossiter-Thornton, 2001
"Your class is INCREDIBLE! You are energetic, so knowledgeable, so encouraging,
your pacing is fabulous - not a single second without something going
on."
Barbara Rottenberg, 1992
"I'm
taking Medieval to Baroque history [at the University of Toronto] right
now and I've noticed that I'm not as interested as I was when I took
your history classes. I honestly think it's because my professor just
isn't as inspiring as you! He doesn't have other elements in his lectures
(like art, architecture, etc.) to make it interesting and he really
sticks to definitions and facts."
Kristin Graholm, 2nd year, U of T Music Faculty
"Clayton Scott is a fabulous storyteller and historian. If I had had
her in college, I would have done much better in Music History."
Anon.
"I
probably would come [to Suzuki Kingston] just to hear Clayton Scott's
lecture on Music History and storytelling."
Anon.
"Clayton
Scott in particular was so prepared [for Music Through the Ages]! What
time and energy she put into those classes. We all noticed it! Her analysis
was excellent! I love her detailed approach."
Anon.
"Clayton Scott - a tremendous performer and artist in her storytelling."
Anon.
"Clayton
Scott's Music Through the Ages was phenomenal! What a wonderful storyteller.
She holds one spellbound. Her storytelling is definitely "in the zone"!
She also has great subject knowledge and experience. What a delightful
class. We look forward to hearing her again next year."
Anon.
"You are great with kids. No one else could do a better job teaching
Music Through the Ages."
Sarah McCabe, age 10, July 2002
"You
portray all the elements of opera and ballet with great theatricality
[in Music Through the Ages]. You make the stories understandable and
give insight to the musical harmonies and historical context of the
works. What grace and energy!"
Cathie McCabe, July 2002
"You
are possibly one of the best prepared and practised original performers
I have seen. The tremendous number of hours you must spend attending
ballets and operas, multiple times each, in order to observe all the
nuances and realise the differences from one company to another, is
a major commitment. You demonstrate a great deal of knowledge of the
many companies, dancers and singers and styles of each of these persons
and groups. You share your observations in a way that I could enjoy
and learn an appreciation for ballet and opera…You are graceful, elegant,
poised and knowledgeable as a speaker, dancer, pianist, and teacher.
Thank you also, that you are approachable!"
Diane Strope, Pine City NY
"I
heard Music Through the Ages everyday….wow! What a special time for
teachers and students. What effort on Clayton's part!"
Anon., 2002
"[My
daughter] was mesmerised by Clayton's presentation [of Music Through
the Ages]. This is a fabulous introduction to opera and ballet, the
best I've ever seen!"
Anon., 2002
"I hope Clayton Scott will be [at Suzuki Kingston] next year. We would
return just for her."
Anon., 2002
"Clayton
Scott is able to hold [the children's] attention and draw them into
each story, she is truly exceptional….Clayton is an inspiration for
children and parents alike!"
Anon., 2002
Adjudications
"Adjudicator Clayton Scott of Toronto said she hopes each child leaves
feeling something from their performance has been acknowledged and appreciated
by her. She says, "My main purpose is to acknowledge their hard work
and the courage it takes for them to come and share their music.""
Pam Wright, The Daily News, Chatham, 2001
Newspaper Article
"The Tahlequah Junior High School Gifted and Talented Program hosted
a special presentation in Michele Seymour's music classes Tuesday, Feb.
20 by Clayton Scott, eloquent musician and master storyteller from Toronto,
Ontario, Canada. "Scott explored the social history, clothing, manners,
customs, art and the political 'map' of the 18th and 19th centuries
of Europe. "She focused on music written in the years leading up to
the French Revolution (Mozart's "Magic Flute"); the effect of the French
revolution and Napoleon (Beethoven's Symphony NO. 5); the response to
the invasion of one's homeland (Chopin's Revolutionary Etude and Sibelius
"Finlandia") and the expression of love for one's country (Smetana's
'Moldau'). "With her captivating blend of drama, music, and humour,
Scott made opera and ballet come alive as she told the stories. Students
could imagine the characters, costumes, set and stage as Scott enthralled
them with her enthusiasm for the operatic/ballet works of "The Girl
of the Golden West". "Scott said she was equally impressed with the
musical knowledge of the students as they interacted during the presentation."
Tahlequah Daily Press, Feb. 22, 2001