Re: Dr. Catharine Lees:
Published in the book titled The Song of Annie Moses, by Robin Donica Wolaver:
“Alex’s music was going down for the last time, when Dr. Lees dove into his viola-playing pool to drag him to safety and resuscitate him. Dr. Lees believed in him, and he knew it. Teaching Alex a stringed instrument had been difficult for his earlier teachers. His thinking process was dominated by the left hemisphere of the brain, and he was a visual learner. But as Dr. Lees’ protocol worked its magic, the cerebral coordination that the study of music stimulates began to emerge. Dr. Lees’ deep brown eyes focused, laser like, analyzing and correcting, until the lesson was learned. Alex began to fly, to soar. I stood in the shadows and watched, astonished at the rapid ascent of his skill. Alex loved his lessons. He loved his viola. He loved his teacher.”
Re: Professor Timothy Lees
“My time studying with Prof. Timothy Lees at CCM has been nothing short of incredible. From first meeting Prof. Lees at my trial lesson a few years ago, it was apparent that his students and their individual growth were at the forefront of his teaching philosophy. I recall feeling so excited at the prospect of studying with Prof. Lees due to his unparalleled organization, attention to detail, and his willingness to assist students however he could.
Prof. Lees’ background as an orchestral leader and performer has been crucial in assisting with my audition preparation and performances in orchestras at CCM and beyond. Having observed his charismatic and professional leadership in his performances with the CSO, I have gained an invaluable understanding of what it means to truly be a leader, and more importantly, a good colleague.
As a mentor, Prof. Lees has constantly inspired and challenged me to reach new artistic heights. His goal-setting mentality and emphasis on developing an individualistic freedom in my study of the violin repertoire has helped fully unlock my inner artist. I am forever grateful for all that I have learned while studying with Prof. Lees, and I am incredibly proud to have been a part of his studio during my studies at CCM!”
- Daniel Fields, Junior at CCM
Re: Dr. Catharine Lees:
“I have had the privilege of studying with Dr. Lees for nearly nine years and am continually astonished by the wealth of knowledge she has to offer to her students. Every week I learn something new, every week I am inspired. Her teaching style is an ideal balance between thoughtful discussions and technical foundations that always aim to serve a greater musical objective. I have never known another teacher with such a complete understanding of their instrument, its repertoire, technique, and pedagogical history – Dr. Lees’s expertise makes her among the most formidable and inspiring professors.
Not only is Dr. Lees incredibly experienced and insightful, she’s also a wonderful person. In my years studying with her I’ve experienced first-hand the tremendous care and dedication she provides to her students. She works tirelessly to ensure that they achieve their goals, and always believes in their potential even when a student may not. No matter what your musical ambitions may be, Dr. Lees has the knowledge, experience, and devotion to help you attain them.”
- Martin Hintz, DMA Student and Graduate Assistant of Dr. Lees at CCM
Re: Dr. Catharine Lees:
“Dr. Lees has exemplified mastery of her viola pedagogy and helped create a generation of talented violists. Her teaching is always inviting, innovative, resourceful and enthusiastic. She has been teaching for more than two decades at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Her advancements to the viola pedagogy here at CCM include developing essential techniques, catering to the needs of each individual student, and helping prepare her students for success in their future careers. She is an advocate for advancing the diversity efforts of the orchestral community and helps push forth diversity and inclusion by encouraging equality and respect among all of her students. This creates a very familial dynamic in the Viola studio and helps create a nurturing environment for her students. Dr. Lees expresses care for her students like myself by even going the extra mile to make sure that her students succeed in this prestigious field of classical music. A few examples of these include: her addition of the Viola Orchestra Repertory course, the Violin and Viola bowing class, and providing every one of her students with a full amount of required individual lessons and coachings. She provides insightful readings and guides that descriptively demonstrate her teaching style and what she would like to work on with each student in private lessons. Not only is Dr. Lees an intelligent and exceptional viola pedagogue, she is also very kind-hearted and patient with her students and other faculty members at CCM.”
- Edna Pierce, CSO/CCM Diversity Fellowship Recipient; McNair Fellow
Re: Professor Timothy Lees:
“The past years I have been studying with Professor Timothy Lees at CCM have been amazing. I was inspired by his teaching philosophy, musical demonstrations, technical instruction from the very first lesson. As a result of his teaching I was able to fix a lot of problems in my playing immediately. As an international student with a different cultural background Prof. Lees helps me understand culture and gain knowledge in a short amount of time.
Prof. Lees is always trying his best to help students to prepare for upcoming competitions and auditions. Every student not only learns how to practice the music itself, but also understand how to improve at the various stages of learning. It helps me to use his methodology to teach myself and will continue to help in teaching my own students in the future.
Personally, I recall when I won the concerto competitions at CCM, Prof. Lees helped me from the first rehearsal with the orchestra until the performance. He helps me not only with playing but also with being a confident and mature musician and person.
Artistically, as a concertmaster for the CSO for 20 years and amazing chamber musician and recitalist, Prof. Lees’ strong background models and inspires different students in how to become a good artist. He performs concerts and teaches at festivals all over the world. I was astonished when I listened to his chamber concert and master class in France.
The experience studying with Prof. Lees has changed my life. I will always appreciate everything I learned from him my entire life.”
- Dan Qiao, DMA student at CCM
Re: Dr. Catharine Lees:
“I have studied with Dr. Catharine Lees for the past year and a half and have had the pleasure of working closely with Dr. Lees in my lessons as well as studio, repertoire and bowing technique classes in her capacity as my primary professor and advisor. I have come to know Dr. Lees very well during my time working towards obtaining a doctorate in viola performance at CCM, and therefore can comment on some aspects of her teaching.
Dr. Lees is an incredibly hard-working, determined, kind, caring, and humble teacher, making it a pleasure to study with her. My motivation in obtaining a DMA degree is to become a viola professor and getting to know Dr. Lees and her teaching, has only furthered inspired me. Dr. Lees takes the time to understand and make herself available for each of her students. She is constantly researching and reading to acquire new information in order to be even more informed for her students. She attends every recital, dress rehearsal, studio class and orchestra concert. She works tirelessly to make sure we have all materials necessary in our studies. She is incredibly kind and treats every student with respect. I look forward to my weekly lesson because I always leave inspired and motivated to keep learning.
Because of Dr. Lees I have gained a confidence in myself as a player and person that I previously struggled with before my time at CCM. Dr. Lees has not only been a teacher to me, but a mentor. Each lesson she not only helps me with the technical and physical aspects of playing the viola but engages me in conversations about music and teaching philosophies. She listens to me, respects me and encourages me to be myself. I consider my education and time at CCM thus far to be priceless because of my studies with Dr. Lees.”
- Shelby Thompson, DMA Student and Graduate Assistant of Dr. Lees at CCM
Re: Dr. Catharine Lees:
“My first interaction with Dr. Lees was my senior year of high school when I emailed her about taking a trial lesson with her while I was touring schools. She was not only the most generous, being the only teacher to offer a free lesson, but easily the most knowledgeable and humble. She was the main reason I applied to the University of Cincinnati. After I was accepted, she offered me the opportunity to attend Musique en Graves, a festival she was teaching at in France, and I happily accepted. In ten days, she managed to push me through the whole Bartok viola concerto when previously it would take me months to prepare a movement. I consider this less of a testament to my own work ethic and more of her teaching abilities because up to that point I had never had such clear instruction. Recently, I returned to the festival, and the faculty there not only commented on my growth, but invited me to play on the faculty series with them after encouragement from my teacher; I consider this to be one of my greatest accomplishments so far, and I credit it to Dr. Lees.
During the school year, Dr. Lees teaches a variety of classes, most of which I have taken, including orchestra repertoire, bowing class, and chamber music. Her approach to each class sets a standard expected by professionals in each of the fields, whether that be the Berlin Philharmonic or Seattle Symphony Orchestra (both of which she has students apart of). While it is impressive that she can teach such a wide array of music among the vastly different playing styles in the studio, she also does it with a great sense of humor and energy. A huge part of teaching is setting up students so that they know how to teach themselves in the future, and I feel well equipped to do that when I graduate and will not be taking lessons anymore. Dr. Lees is invaluable to the viola studio at CCM and without her I would not feel comfortable pursuing a performance degree.”
- Jordan Watt, Junior at CCM
Re: Dr. Catharine Lees:
“With Dr. Lees’ guidance, I have learned how to learn, practiced how to practice, and even taught how to teach. She has allowed me to shape my own journey yet has provided the support and instruction to help me move towards my goals, even if they are not what I thought they might be when I entered the program.
My own journey has been winding, confusing, and unexpected. I entered as a double major in viola and music education, then dropped the music education major. I discovered a love for music history late in my junior year and applied to CCM’s Masters programs in both departments. I only applied to CCM, mainly because of the incredible support I knew that I would receive from her. This semester has been anything but easy, though it has been made easier with her constant compassion and support. While some professors would discourage their students from wasting valuable practice time on research and classes, she has been excited to show me how to incorporate what I have learned as a musicologist into my playing as a violist. While many violists do not have the same goals as me, she also helps them use their limited time in school to achieve their aspirations.
I look forward to every lesson with her. Even if I am struggling with a piece, it will not be used as a stick to beat me with, but rather as a ladder to help me take myself to the next level. If you ask any of her students about what it is like to ask her advice for tackling a challenge, they will tell you that she almost seems to have some sort of supernatural problem-solving ability. A comment like “oh, just move your finger here” or “try approaching it like this” usually results in one of those “lightbulb” moments that leave me inspired and thirsting for more. Even more inspiring is that this seemingly supernatural ability is not supernatural at all, but from the accumulation of knowledge drawn from research and creative, yet purposeful practice.
For a professor to spark a student’s interest is the mark of great teaching. To inspire a student to better themselves as a performer, scholar, and person is the mark of excellence. While I struggle to imagine leaving her studio permanently someday, I know that she cultivated the tools I have within myself to continue the work I have done under her supervision.”
– Alyssa Yoshitake, MM Student at CCM