By Mark Ambrogi
For Elizabeth Goodenough, participating in the Indianapolis Opera Resident Artist Program has been special.
The piano teacher, who moved to Carmel from Indianapolis in June, learned about the program at the start of August and was selected at the end of that month. The nine-week fall residency runs from September through October with four singers (soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor and baritone) and Goodenough as the pianist.
“We prepared a mini-opera in English for performing in elementary schools,” Goodenough said. “We also prepared a program of opera arias and lecturing for middle and high schools and senior centers. We also do other performances through the Indianapolis Opera.”
Goodenough, 32, said a major benefit from the residency has been the opportunity to perform in the community.
“As a musician, I have a great desire to bring music into people’s lives and into the community,” she said. “Being relatively new to Indiana, I’m still making connections and looking to get more involved in performing as a pianist and accompanist. It has been such a delight to travel with the four Resident Artist singers and perform at elementary schools, middle schools and senior centers. Seeing smiles on people’s faces, from young to old, means so much.”
Goodenough said an additional benefit is connections with the Indianapolis Opera, the other resident artists, and the master classes with excellent directors and teachers. Goodenough said it helps the residents fine-tune the craft.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work on music together with such fine musicians and then get to share it with others,” she said. “I hope to be able to collaborate with all of them again sometime.”
Goodenough teaches piano to almost 50 students, mostly elementary aged, the majority living in Hamilton County.
“What I love about teaching is coming alongside students and sharing my love of music and the piano with them and developing their abilities to understand music, as well as fostering their own love for playing the piano,” said Goodenough, who also loves to sing. “I also work at Butler University as an accompanist.”
