AN INTERVIEW WITH SPENCER What inspired you to become a musician?         I was surrounded by music when I was young. My father is a classical guitarist, our family owned a grand piano that was passed down from my mother's family, and my father had a classical record collection. So having those elements around all the time contributed collectively to my wanting to start piano lessons. I was actually waiting in line with my mother to sign up for the local baseball team, and I tugged on her sleeve and said, "You know, what I really want to do is take piano lessons!" Who are the musicians you have studied with that have had the most positive influence?         I've been very lucky to study with several musicians of different backgrounds, all of whom had varying and positive influences on me. Joseph Schwartz, a student of Rosina Lhevinne, instilled in me the importance of a musical line and singing tone. Peter Takács and Julian Martin, both students of Leon Fleisher, stressed the importance of musical cohesion and direction, and relating phrases to one another. What is your favorite style/period of music?         My favorite style/period of music is the Romantic period, particularly Chopin, Schumann, Brahms and Rachmaninov. But one of my favorite styles to play would be the French Impressionists, because of the world of possibilities that music opens for the piano as a color palette. Are there any styles or pieces that you particularly don't like to play?  While I adore the music of Bach, it is terribly frightening to perform because it is incredibly exposed and transparent. And it is such perfect music that one feels guilty for having even one note out of place! What are your practice habits like?         I prefer long practice sessions, but find myself most often practicing in short spurts, so I have honed my skills in being productive in a short time. I find myself often playing through either entire pieces or large sections, so as to get a "big picture" of what's going on. If I'm doing careful, detailed practice, it's often at a slower tempo. How do you relax and what do you do when you're not practicing?         I love going out to eat and experiencing good restaurants. I also enjoy spending time emailing, as it is a great way to keep in touch with the friends I have acquired worldwide being a musician. While I enjoy reading books and magazines, I find myself doing this most often when I'm traveling, as opposed to during a quiet afternoon at home. Do you have hobbies that you pursue?         Cooking is something I have recently discovered a passion for, and while I rarely have time to do it, it's something I plan to make more time for from now on. Music is my most beloved hobby, though, whether it be practicing, performing, collaborating, discussing, etc. Do you play any other instruments besides the piano?         Not seriously, but I played flute in my school band for two years when I was 10 and 11 years old, and have sung in choirs all my life. Who are your favorite authors?         Michael Cunningham, C.S. Lewis, Dan Brown, James Agee, Emily Dickinson. What is your favorite movie?        The Hours, Clue, Brokeback Mountain, Notes on a Scandal, Mulholland Drive, Finding Neverland, The Queen, etc. What is your favorite food?         That is maybe the most difficult question of all! I love all foods, but I think my favorite would have to be Asian food: I can't choose between Korean, Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese. They're all terrific!