A Case Study of an Artist-in-Residence: Ruth Slenczynska, Concert Pianist
Hyde, Carol Shannon
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/70869
Description
Title
A Case Study of an Artist-in-Residence: Ruth Slenczynska, Concert Pianist
Author(s)
Hyde, Carol Shannon
Issue Date
1988
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Peters, G. David
Department of Study
Music
Discipline
Music Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ed.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biography
Music
Abstract
The purpose of this case study was to document and describe the process of transition in Ruth Slenczynska's musical career from concert pianist to artist-in-residence and the factors that kept her in the position for twenty-three years.
Data for the study were derived from interviews with Slenczynska, administrators and colleagues at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, published and unpublished documents including Slenczynska's childhood scrapbook, letters, press releases, and a Slenczynska performance videotape.
Slenczynska's formative lifestyle and early years as a widely-acclaimed child prodigy were traced and attention was given to the existing conditions of her career as a concert pianist in the decade prior to her acceptance of an artist-in-residence position. In addition, the incentives that drew her towards a career as an artist-in-residence were investigated.
The career change from concert pianist to artist-in-residence brought about numerous changes in Slenczynska's professional and personal life, detailed in the study. Her role as a faculty member was also researched.
Analysis of data revealed that as an artist-in-residence, Slenczynska made a great number of adjustments regarding her public performances. From necessity, she became her own manager, lowering the number of concert engagements in order to also fulfill her teaching responsibilities. As an educator, new opportunities arose for Slenczynska to write articles on piano pedagogy and conduct workshops, which she scheduled frequently.
Research findings showed that numerous changes also occurred in Slenczynska's personal life. She moved from a large city to a small town in a rural area; she met and eventually married a professor from the same university at which she taught. Slenczynska also gained a sense of financial security stemming from her steady income as an artist-in-residence. Finally, the university offered and proved to maintain a nonrestrictive attitude towards Slenczynska's employment, never confining or stifling her appetite to perform.
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