Collaborative pianist Anne Epperson (left) is one of the performers featured in the Faculty Tuesdays series this fall. (Photo/Casey A. Cass)

Many concertgoers know that the Faculty Tuesdays recitals are great opportunities to experience free performances by exceptional musicians, but these performances also are an important part of the educational process at the College of Music.

Graduate music Student Beth Ringel said, "faculty recitals not only inspire students, they also teach the process of realizing a performance." This process can include coordination with other performers since recitals have increasingly become collaborative events featuring several performers from different areas. Students see how in preparing performances organization and communication are almost as important as selecting music and practicing and that putting together a chamber music group of a jazz combo is usually far from spontaneous.

According to Joan McLean Braun, executive director of concerts at the College of Music, engaging an audience through communication and marketing also are important skills for musicians at all levels. "Faculty Tuesdays performers usually articulate program themes and develop program titles that help an audience to understand historic or thematic associations in the music," said McLean Braun. "Many faculty performers address the audience from the stage, demonstrating to their students how research and public speaking skills can build a stronger connection with their audience."

The College of Music invites you to experience the end result of this collaborative process by attending free Faculty Tuesdays recitals this semester. Featured performers this fall include vocalist Patrick Mason, collaborative pianist Anne Epperson, the Terwilliger-Cooperstock Duo and many more. For a complete schedule and program descriptions, visit College of Music Faculty Tuesdays or call the CU Concerts Box Office at 303-492-8008.