"The Piano
Lesson" by Henri Matisse
Her teachers have been Purden Lausten, Samantha Fields, Thomas Lausten, Terry Collins, Eric Fields, Eric Pullen, Max Milspaugh, Paul McGauhey and Donald Krug, all of whom have influenced in her in invaluable and important ways, both tangible and intangible. An extremely important influence in recent years, has been Russian American, concert pianist, Ilya Itin, who has come to Culver on three occasions, conducted Master classes with piano students, and taught lessons to several of her students while in residence.
Although traditional schooling has played a major role in her education, she draws heavily on life experience gained through seven years of living abroad in Malaysia, and Japan, as well as skills developed through extensive performing and teaching of music.
"Probably my best teachers have been my kids, both my own and my students" Mary Lynch- Weirich is married to Culver Academies' Assistant Band Director, David Weirich. She is also mother to three daughters, Mel Lynch CSS '95, CGA '98, Annie Lynch, WC '95, CGA, '00, and Emma Lynch '06, She and husband, David Weirich also share their home with six cats, and one large, vocally inclined Husky, named, Kira.
"I believe in life long learning, and also in acknowledging the competencies that we acquire through experiential learning situations". With that in mind, Weirich continues to take Independent Study courses through Indiana University Bloomington in pursuit of an eventual Master's degree in Ethnomusicology/Folklore. She also has a great interest in the expressive arts in therapeutic situations, as well as possibly becoming a certified music therapist.
In addition, she continues her professional development, by yearly attendance at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, as well as the Indiana Choral Directors Conference. "Attendance at these conferences keeps a teacher on the cutting edge of what's happening in Music Education, as well as refreshing and inspiring, sometimes tired teachers!" Recently, she had the wonderful opportunity to attend the historic American Choral Directors' Association Conference in Los Angeles, hearing a multitude of incredible performances, as well as inspiring and information interest sessions.
Weirich also believes very strongly in getting to know one's own particular learning style, and using that to develop efficient, satisfying practice techniques. "It does no good to say to a student, "simply practice more". I seek to understand what works best for each individual student. I encourage them to take note of what works, what doesn't, and to share their observations with me. From there, we work together as student and teacher to create a practice plan that works well for them individually. "
Currently, Weirich offers instruction in
piano, flute, as well as continuing to accompany on an
extensive basis, both for Solo and Ensemble events, in
addition to Honors
in Music recitals and other student performances.
She also has acted as a rehearsal accompanist for eight of Culver's
Spring Musicals, as well as performing in "the
pit" on both keyboard synthesizer, flute and piccolo.
In Spring of 2005 she acted as keyboard/assistant music
conductor, in the onstage, "garage band" for
Culver's production of "Little Shop of Horrors".
In addition, she has taught for the past two years, a course offered under Special Topics in Music, entitled, "Ragtime to Rap, A Musical Timeline of American History", making use of her knowledge and interest in Popular Culture, Folklore, and Ethnomusicology. In the near future, she hopes to offer other special topics courses such as "History of Country Music" and "History of Hip-Hop/Rap"
She also offered private voice lessons at Culver Summer School, from 1997-2000, as well as accompanying, and directing an Upper Camp girls' ensemble.
Recently adopted motto (and goal): "Do work that allows you to sleep soundly at night, and wake up excited to face the day." (source unknown)
Teacher's Bio | Class Materials | Classes Taught | Calendar | Email