Instrument/Department: Piano, toy piano, Chamber Music Connection
Joined Hochstein Faculty in: 1986
Pianist Paula Rodney Bobb began her piano studies at age 4, with her older sister. Paula was so enthralled with Heidi’s piano playing, especially that of Chopin’s F major Ballade, that she would, literally hang onto the spinet piano as her sister played. Her love of classical music, though, began years before that as she would lie on the living room couch and be mesmerized by the sounds emanating from the hi-fi (stereo for you younger folk). The love of Beethoven, Bach, and many others seeped into her soul.
After a year under her sister’s tutelage, she began studies with Heidi’s piano teacher, Natalie Phillips, with whom she continued to study through college at the University of Pittsburgh. Following her bachelor’s degree, she attended New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, earning her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance with Patricia Zander.
Paula loves Hochstein because of the creative and supportive community here. She enjoys helping her students gain confidence in addition to musical skills and artistry. She also leads classes, and offers private sessions, for those who want relief from their performance anxiety, something she understands intimately.
She is active as soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician. At one time she served as piano department chairperson, and in 2011, she was the recipient of the Hochstein Faculty Service Award.
More About Paula Rodney Bobb
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
What inspires me: Nature, music, creativity, learning, compassionate people, those who surpass limitations
Why the arts matter: Life is art. Art is life. It’s about being human and expressing all of who we are. Without creativity and imagination we cannot thrive. The arts also matter, especially now, because they provide a positive way to develop confidence and a sense of connection to something deeper and beyond ourselves, and channel the energy of those who might otherwise seek negative ways to behave.
Favorite things to do in Rochester area: Walk, bike, museums, concerts
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: At home, at The Little or Dryden Theater, at the library
My favorite local restaurant(s): Aladdin’s, Sinbad’s, Rooney’s
Favorite place to travel: Pittsburgh to see family and my piano teacher
Favorite TV show(s): Downton Abbey, Big Bang Theory, almost anything British on PBS
Fun fact: I was taught by Natalie Phillips who was taught by Eunice Norton who was taught by Artur Schnabel who was taught by Theodor Leschetizky who was taught by Carl Czerny who was taught by ... Ludwig Van Beethoven!