How did your education shape your attitudes about music? Jonathan Sheffer, Composer; Founder, Conductor and Artistic Director of the Eos Orchestra

How did your education shape your attitudes about music? Jonathan Sheffer, Composer; Founder, Conductor and Artistic Director of the Eos Orchestra

Jonathan Sheffer Photo by Stephanie Berger My musical education began at the Westport School of Music, where as a preschooler I was taught the basics of major and minor scales, and began piano lessons. I recall we were rewarded often with candy. The next most important influence in my musical education was the Bernstein Young… Read more »

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NewMusicBox Staff



Jonathan Sheffer
Photo by Stephanie Berger

My musical education began at the Westport School of Music, where as a preschooler I was taught the basics of major and minor scales, and began piano lessons. I recall we were rewarded often with candy. The next most important influence in my musical education was the Bernstein Young People’s Concerts. Only now do I realize how much I took from those programs, which opened a window to a much larger world.

Also I recall a school trip to a Saturday matinee of Carmen at the Met. I misbehaved and had to be put out in the hall.

Nonetheless, my training was lovingly supervised by public school teachers and private teachers, such as Frank Brieff on viola. These things remain in my memory, and in my music-making.