Tipitina’s Intern Masha Davey has a reason to celebrate this week! We sat down with Masha who was recently accepted to Berklee College of Music where she will be double majoring in film scoring and sound design with a minor in conducting.
TF: Tell us a bit about your background, where did you grow up? MD: I was born in Tver, Russia between St. Petersburg and Moscow and lived in Orphanages for the first 6 years of my life until I was adopted. I didn’t have access to instruments when I was younger so when I finally got my hands on a piano for the first time at age 9, it was love at first “sound”. TF: What was it about the Piano that spoke to you? MD: The way it is laid out makes sense in my brain. I am really into physics which is why I want to do sound design. It’s science. I’ve been studying cymatics – the study of how sound is made visible through a vibrating medium. I believe there’s a medical purpose to this field of study and I want to give back to the deaf community and allow them to see the sound. TF: What inspires you? MD: Now, I am inspired my grandfather who passed away 2 years ago. He got me into film scoring. He would take me to movies every other week. When we saw Avatar together and I noticed the score I dove into film scoring. When he passed away, I was distraught but while coming home, I realized that he is in the music. It inspired me to try and discover myself through music. I wake up at 3:00 am every day to practice for 2.5 hours before school. I was getting frustrated with how far my talent was taking me. It is definitely paying off with my ability to get into this internship program and participate in other gigs around town. I am constantly listening to music. Every moment of the day that I can listen to music – it is playing. TF: How has Tipitina’s Foundation Artistic Director Donald Harrison Jr. shaped you as a musician? MD: A lot of what you learn from Donald Harrison Jr is listening to him teach others. He is almost a philosophy teacher and you have to apply that philosophy to the music. He will give you what you need and will guide you. Donald has already had the great career, so it is really up to us students to practice and get the most out of the experience. TF: What is the most important thing you’ve learned in the Internship program? MD: Working as a composer is a very solitary exercise. The program has taught me how to work with an ensemble. Performing as a group is an art form in itself. You have to listen to your peers and consider many things while playing. TF: Do you feel like the Internship Program presented opportunities for you that you would not have normally received? If so what? MD: Yes, going to New Jersey for the Berklee summit. I love traveling; I have been to 8 countries. When I get to travel and it is because of music it’s a win-win. What the Berklee Summit Master Classes offer me as a student is incredible. Gaining that experience to take my musical development further is a huge opportunity i’m thankful for. TF: What would you say to someone considering supporting the Internship Program? MD: I would simply say – do you like New Orleans music – most of these kids are from New Orleans. They are in the program because they want to keep the heritage of New Orleans alive, not just any music but New Orleans music and more specifically Jazz.