This article is from the archives of the UB Reporter.
Word of Mouth

Do you play a musical instrument?

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  • When I was in my late 20s, I began piano lessons. I had the good fortune to study with a retired concert pianist. She had this fabulous grand piano. Often we began the lesson with her playing the piece—we both loved all the famous Russian composers. My piano lessons were a journey into another time and place. I no longer own a piano, but it is still my dream to study and play again.

    Joyce Kosinski, BA ’91, MA ’93
    Communications Project Manager
    School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

  • Yes, I play the viola da gamba, a member of the viol family of instruments that was in vogue during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. I enjoy it because of the social aspects of music-making—I play in an ensemble of four viols, the York Consort, and sometimes am called upon to accompany vocal recitals as part of the continuo group (harpsichord or organ, plus gamba).

    Nancy B. Nuzzo, MA ’99
    Director, Music and Special Collections
    Music Library

  • When I was growing up, I spent some years struggling to learn how to play the organ, the “king of instruments.” I was intrigued by the range of sounds that the organ can produce and the challenge involved in playing with both hands and both feet. One of the great things about Buffalo is the amazing number of very fine organs and organists we have here. For example, the C.B. Fisk organ in Lippes Concert Hall is a truly exceptional instrument, and the organ recital series at Lippes is a musical treat.

    John J. Wood
    Associate Vice Provost
    Office of International Education

  • I don’t play a musical instrument but I sing in a band. I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar and my wife even got me one for Christmas about three years ago. It was two months before our son was born and since then he has taken precedence over the lessons. We always have music on in our home and I think it would be cool to pick up the guitar and sing and play. I like the thought of starting up a hootenanny at a moment’s notice!

    Michael J. Pietkiewicz
    Assistant Vice President
    Office of Government Relations