Rachel Benoit lives in Penn Valley and studies piano with Andrea
Fox. Rachel has been playing the piano for three years, but has had
formal teaching for only half that time. “I always enjoyed it, but
never really knew what I was doing, so I decided to get lessons to
broaden my musical experience."
Hi Rachel, how old are you?
16
How long have you been playing the piano?
Three years altogether, but only 1 ½ years with a formal teacher.
How did you happen to study piano?
We
have a piano, and I always enjoyed playing, but never really knew what
I was doing, so I decided to get formal lessons to broaden my musical
experience.
Is your family musical?
Yes
Who is your favorite composer?
For playing?
Bach
For listening?
Any baroque composer
Have you ever tried composing?
No.
We Americans are notorious for not learning other languages. Are you and exception?
I haven't really made an effort to learn other languages, but I have taken foreign language classes.
For what languages?
Spanish.
Are you fluent?
Not quite, but I can have a basic conversation with someone.
Does your family speak Spanish?
Yes, my Dad.
To what other countries have you traveled?
Mexico
What did you like about that country or city?
It was a nice change of culture and interesting to learn how different it was.
Do you have siblings?
Yes,
2 brothers and 2 sisters. My older sister, Colleen, is 19. My twin
sister Shannon is 16. My older brother Nathan is 24 and my other older
brother, Brian, is 27.
Are they musical?
No.
If not, what do they like to do?
They like to work a lot.
Do you like to read?
Yes, especially Michael Crichton and Stephen King.
Regarding the discovery of the mental connection between talents for music and mathematics: Are you mathematical?
Yes, in some parts. No, in others.
What branch of math do you like best?
Algebra
What are your interests other than music? Sports?
Yes I like basketball and baseball.
Do you play?
I play basketball.
Science?
No.
What's your favorite dinner?
Sweet and sour shrimp and cream puffs with sweet and sour sauce.
What
to eat for breakfast is a problem for many Americans to the amazement
of more traditional cultures. What do you eat for breakfast?
Usually, if anything, a piece of fruit and/or yogurt.
That sounds typical American. Do you cook?
Yes. I like to do a lot of baking, breakfast foods, lunches., I will cook pretty much anything.
