Music & Me with … Debra Buesking
- 01 Jan 2023 -
Image: Debra Buesking, pianist, composer from Springfield, Missouri
When were you first introduced to music?
When I was around four years of age our family acquired an old player piano. I was immediately enthralled with it because I loved to open its doors and watch the action inside. It was almost like an obsession to try to pick out little melodies. My older sister was old enough to take piano and so I heard what she was playing and tried to imitate what I heard her practicing. Lessons came later.
Tell me about your favourite teachers
My favorite teacher was the one who made me work the hardest. I didn’t realize he was my favorite until I was through with university. He made me do the hard work of not just playing the right notes, but to play them flawlessly and with the idea that EVERY SINGLE note is important. It was with him that I learned to discipline myself. I’ve had many teachers, but he is the one I regard as my “teacher”. Even later in life I will sometimes have the occasional lesson with him via FaceTime technology. It is nice that we have progressed from the teacher/pupil relationship to that of friends. Almost.
What are your fondest musical memories?
Some of my memories are moments of being proud for playing a recital or completing a degree, but of course “proud” isn’t the same as fond. One thing that I remember with a particular bit of tenderness was a university theatre production of Hans Christian Anderson that I played for. There was no score and so I was asked to create the piano music for the songs. I think I was sixteen years old at the time and somehow this is just really a nice memory for me to look back upon. There was no stress because how can you misplay something you create yourself? I felt like I was in my element.
What is your favourite TV theme tune and film soundtrack?
I wouldn’t say I have one single favorite, but I do have a couple that are significant. I adore the music from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. (I should probably note that I like children’s films more than films for adults.) Another favorite is Perfect Day by Colin Towns. It can be heard at the end of the children’s film, The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends sung by Miriam Stockley. I have recorded piano adaptations of both, so I guess it’s safe to say they are among my favorites.
What was the last music download/CD/vinyl that you bought?
I honestly cannot remember the last music I purchased. I mostly stream all my music. I still own CDs, but only for the sake of nostalgia.
Imagine you have been given £250/$300 to spend on anything music-related. How will you spend it?
Most probably I would spend it on further software to help with creating my own music. Perhaps a library of sampled orchestral instruments or another sampled piano. On the other hand, further education with some sort of online class is a tempting option [a class concerning composition or perhaps mastering Cubase]. Since this spending spree is imaginary, I will buy all manner of things.
How do you balance music with your other obligations?
This is a difficult subject for me and not one that I feel that I have mastered yet. I tend not to know how to compartmentalize things and so the music is always there taking top spot in my mind. It plays in my head constantly and I’m always itching to run to my piano. This coming year though, I have chosen the word “balance” to remind myself of the importance of home, hearth, and family, as well as music. My faith in Jesus Christ is the center of everything I do and so I hope to learn how to keep all things in perspective in better fashion. Quite honestly, I think a balanced person will make a better musician in the long run.
Happiness, for me. is … not ease or luxury. Instead, it can be the feeling of accomplishing hard work I feel I’m meant to do. It is also the satisfaction of loving others well and thinking not only of myself. When I look outward toward others, I am happier. This is not easy for me because I tend to be an introvert and love spending time alone—at my piano. So, you can see I have work to do in this area as well.
LINKS:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/debra-buesking/1444758305
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debrabuesking/
Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/search?q=debra+buesking
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/35ze9wvm0EvLEK5KHW4VHo?si=CEFqpovQRYGKI6lpX4vTiw&nd=1
Website: https://frontroompiano.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/debra_buesking