How did Enrique Granados create the “Goyesque” in the Goyescas? On first observation, it may be difficult to connect the artist, Francisco Goya, with the music of the Goyescas. Art history scholarship commonly focuses on the late works of Goya, marginalizing the importance of his early masterpieces. In particular, the iconic majos and majas of the tapestry cartoons are a manifestation of his idealism and nationalistic pride. A hundred years later, Enrique Granados brought these characters to life in his powerful and evocative musical portrayals, transferring majismo folklore and visual imagery into the world of sound. Experience the transformation of art into music in this multimedia lecture recital!
Acclaimed for her expressive playing and engaging teaching, pianist Grace Ho is “an artist who makes music from the heart and touches her audience with her wonderful sensitivity.” As a teacher, she is sought after for her dedication to mentoring and guiding students. For over twenty years she has taught piano students of all ages and levels. Dr. Ho is on the faculty of the University of Arizona School of Music as Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy.
In addition to performing and teaching, Dr. Ho is a regular presenter at national conferences including the Music Teachers National Association and the National Conference for Keyboard Pedagogy. Her research focuses on cross-disciplinary inquiry and accessibility. Examples of her cross-disciplinary presentations include “Goya/Goyescas: The Transformation of Art into Music,” which is a multimedia lecture recital on how Enrique Granados brought the art of Francisco Goya to life in the Goyescas piano suite, and “Sight and Sound: The Science of Reading and its Applications for Music Teaching,” which focuses on evidentiary-based findings by scientists on how people learn to read, specifically the connection of sight to sound. In the area of accessibility, Dr. Ho is conducting a study that looks into sensory behaviours of ADHD and ASD students and how this affects their experience in piano lessons. Her most current research investigates the barriers to access for Hispanic piano students in the U.S., focusing on the contrast between traditional piano training and Hispanic cultural values.
Dr. Ho holds a D.M.A. in piano performance and arts administration from the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance, a Professional Studies Diploma in piano performance from San Francisco Conservatory, a M.M. in piano performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and a B.M. in piano performance from Biola University Conservatory of Music.