About
Practice as a spirit to be danced with, not a dragon to be slain.
- Karl Ulrich Schnabel
Studying with K.U. Schnabel on Lake Como
I once heard this advice given in masterclass to a student struggling to find ease and fluidity in his playing. Since then, this advice has inspired my practicing, informed my teaching, and ultimately led to a triple career as a multi-award winning record producer, pianist, and now writer. I feel so fortunate to have been able to turn my passion into my vocation.
Classical Kids
In 1988, I took the plunge and created Classical Kids, a series of ten audio recordings designed to draw today’s children into the world of classical composers. The series was an unexpected success, selling over five million copies and garnering over one hundred awards.
“Susan Hammond has probably done more to promote classical music than anyone since Bernstein.” (NPR, Performance Today)
Steinway Artist
In 2000, I returned to my first love, the piano. I was honored to be named a Steinway Artist, based I believe on my pursuit of tone and ultimately meaning in music. Performing may be exhilarating, but my heart lies in those private moments exploring what the music might be ‘saying’ and how to express it.
“Sue Hammond plays with the intensity and intent of the ‘old school’ of pianism…Her sound is exquisite and resonates through her whole body.” (Boston Competition)
“Her innovative programming, infectious enthusiasm, and exciting playing makes her a popular performer in any venue.”
Teaching
Naturally for me teaching is a joy, be it in private, in classes, or at large public venues. For the Glenn Gould School of Music (Royal Conservatory of Toronto), I invented a course on how to talk about -- and hence think about – music. Its success can be attributed to today’s custom of an artist speaking to their audience before playing. On a larger scale, I've also hosted family events on classical music, art, and architecture walking in the footsteps of the great composers (Baroque Odyssey). In music as in life, context is important.
“Your performance on our main stage was the highlight of our open house which drew over 4,000 attendees.” (Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto)
Writing
I became an arts advocate, speaking at music and education conventions, as well as many interviews for NPR and other media. Recently, I returned to my first love, piano. Based on quotations from great pianists, this comprehensive book called All Things Piano moves logically from Technique and Tone, to Interpretation, to three issues less often discussed: Cognition, Emotions, and Listening. It ends with incorporating those skills with Practicing and Performing.