My name is Ann Kramschuster and I am a pianist and a storyteller. I seek to communicate emotions, images, and ideas through music. I believe, more than ever, in the power of storytelling. It is human nature to seek out stories, examine their implications, and discover relationships between the teller, hearer, and ultimately our collective experience of the worldly and otherworldly. Art is a necessary condition for the flourishing of the human spirit. It enriches us as individuals and as a community. The reason to play or listen to music is not to reach the upper echelons of the music world or to hear the most “perfect” rendition. We share music because of our need for truth and beauty, to be a part of creating and creation. We live in a time where seeking truth and beauty is not a luxury, but a necessity. Humans have a need for stories because they are ultimately a reflection of the love and connection our souls crave.
Through my many years of homeschooling, I have discovered that my purpose is not so much to be a teacher, but a guide. My hope will be to accompany you on your journey as you discover your own creative voice, develop your technique, and gain the confidence to tell your story. I am excited to embark on this adventure of self-discovery, exploration of sound, and expression of ideas and emotions with you.
Bio
Ann Kramschuster is a pianist in the DMV area who believes in the power of musical storytelling. She has had a diverse and non-traditional career trajectory which can be told in 3 Acts.
Act 1: Exposition
Ann Kramschuster is from Minnesota. She attended a progressive, Benedictine, liberal arts college in Minnesota, The College of St. Benedict, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in music and minoring in English literature. She studied with Dr. Edward Turley, a kind and generous soul, who was passionately devoted to music, and provided a model of how to teach. She arrived in Washington DC in 1993 to study with Marilyn Neeley at Catholic University of America, on full scholarship. Ann earned her Masters of Music and Doctorate of Musical Arts. During these years, she played countless solo recitals, chamber concerts, and several concertos with orchestra. She was a member of the Antares Piano Trio and played at festivals in Italy, Germany, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Minnesota. She was the Assistant Organist, under Dr. Kim Kasling, at Chautauqua Institute in upstate New York for several summers and was the assistant organist at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington DC from 1994-2001. During this time, she also had three children, Claire, Grace, and Levi.
Act 2: Development
After receiving her doctorate in 2007, Ann became disillusioned with academia and her focus shifted to being home with her children. She also had two more children, Ella and Caleb. During this time, Ann learned with her children while homeschooling, read aloud everyday, and traveled. She worked to fill her family’s home with music by hosting salons and supporting her children’s music. Ann occasionally played recitals with friends, accompanied studio recitals, and freelanced as an organist for area churches. She also taught music theory and music appreciation, coached piano, and facilitated masterclasses. Among her greatest joys, then and now, is playing music with her children or watching them play together.
Act 3: Recapitulation
Ann’s third act is still being written as we are just embarking on this new family adventure at Honey Acres Farm and Honey Acres Music Center. It is Ann and her family’s hope that Honey Acres grows into a place of connection and community as we share music and stories together.
What I Offer
Private Piano Lessons
30 minute lessons - $40 (for young beginners)
45 minute lessons - $53
60 minute lessons - $65
(Lessons will be conducted on a newly rebuilt 1906 Steinway Model B Piano.)
For questions about lessons with Dr. Kramschuster, or to schedule a discounted trial lesson, please fill out a contact form or email claire.honeyacres@gmail.com.