Collin Parker-Szekely, 18, of Abington, PA, is involved in many different musical activities, primarily through his studies in both piano and cello. Collin studies his primary instrument, the piano, with concert pianist and Curtis Institute of Music faculty Michelle Cann. He also takes private cello lessons with Thomas Kraines of the Daedalus Quartet through Settlement Music School, where he has been a multi-year scholarship recipient.
As a pianist, Collin won the overall concerto competition for the Philadelphia International Music Festival, was a featured soloist for both the Bach and Beyond festival and the Menges concerto competition, and was a finalist for the MostArts Festival and Young Pianists Competition.
As part of the Advanced Study Program at Settlement Music School, Collin performs with the Myer Schwartz Piano Trio, semi-finalists for the prestigious Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and finalists for the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, both in 2024. Collin also participates as a cellist in the Temple Music Prep Center for Gifted Young Musicians program as part of the top-tier Youth Chamber Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. In addition to music, Collin follows sports and has interests in history, philosophy, and social justice.
10 Questions with Collin Parker-Szekely:
1. What do you like to listen to?
I like to listen to jazz, classic rock, prog rock, punk, new wave, and classical music.
2. What are some differences between your musical experiences as a pianist and cellist?
I have found that cello helps give me an insight into string playing so that I can accommodate them better when playing with them. Piano gets me more into theory and music history as there is so much music in the repertoire.
3. What was one thing about your instrument(s) that surprised you when you started learning to play?
I was quite surprised by how common the piano or keyboard was found in everyday music.
4. What do you enjoy most about playing chamber music?
I enjoy chamber music because I get to share a special musical experience with others. You can feed off of everyone’s energy and really just have a blast.
5. Do you have any hidden talents?
I do a really good Cartman (from the TV show South Park) impression.
6. What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
I love Philly because of the food, the variety of cultures, and the sports.
7. What advice would you give your 9-year-old self?
I would tell my 9-year-old self to stop playing so fast and chill out a little.
8. What was an experience with a teacher or peer that was impactful to you in your music education?
One of my favorite musical experiences was when I traveled to Austin with my piano trio and played in the Coltman Competition. I enjoyed sharing such a positive experience with two great friends, and it made me even more confident that I wanted to be a musician.
9. What are you reading?
I just finished reading “The Fall” by Albert Camus and am about to read “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.
10. Do you have any advice for people just getting started with learning an instrument?
I would say anyone starting an instrument should explore the vast range of genres and styles the instrument is used. For example, for someone playing piano, they should explore jazz, blues, and classical piano. This helped me keep my excitement about playing piano and expanded my lens to many new artists.
