Sasha Cooke

Everyone in this group feels like my spirit animal- Blake Pouillot’s wacky, Will Fedkenheuer’s sweet, Estelle Choi’s warmth and Yura Lee’s wisdom- all so inspiring and all palpable in their music. It has been such a joy and a privilege to make music with them and even better to work with the Art of Song fellows this week in Toronto. Even in just a few days together I feel a bond has really formed and each of them has surprised me with their commitment and growth. It’s truly awe-inspiring. Someone in the audience at my public class came up and thanked me for making the time for mentorship, that it felt like I ‘was giving them my hand’ ❤️

The awe continues in a few days when I perform a recital with Warren Jones, one of the mentors of all mentors and pianists of all pianists. I first encountered him 24 years ago at Music Academy of the West which I now consider a second home, so it’s a full circle moment and one on the heels of so much inspiration from my colleagues here and these wonderful young people. Come join us at Walter Hall at 7:30 July 13

In just a few days I’ll be back in beautiful Santa Barbara at Music Academy of the West immersed in inspiration and surrounded by fabulous young talent. Just one week from tonight is our first vocal event of the summer. Each summer I’m thrilled to play a role in mentoring these young people and I find I learn even more than they do! This is my sixth summer at Music Academy and my fourth as Co-Director of the Lehrer Vocal Institute.

Here two of our alums from last summer, Emily Margevich and Paige Dirkes-Jackson, talk about their time. Emily was one of the 2025 sopranos and sang Donna Elvira in the opera while Paige was our directing fellow living a double life as fellow and assistant director on all things vocal. They represent a small percentage of the many singers and pianists that audition for us each year- in the end we accept about 2% into the program, so you can imagine what a complicated practice it is! And I always wish we could take more. At the same time, the intimacy of our program is one of the best features. I’m so touched by what Emily and Paige say in this video. Watch the rest at the link in my stories or if you’re in the California area, come check what Music Academy is all about ☀️