Faraghermacewan

March 12, 2017 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to provide a reference in support of Toscha Turner’s outstanding teaching ability. I have known Toscha for twenty years as she pursued undergraduate and graduate study, as well as in a professional capacity as a teacher, performer, and community organizer. We were colleagues at the MacEwan Conservatory in Edmonton, where I was String Department Head; and together developed a string-enrichment initiative, which I continued growing in the Kootenays with her help. While we have been separated by geography for almost 10 years, I have continued to consult with Toscha for professional advice in my own work as a clinician, teacher, and conductor.

Toscha is an exceptional teacher and mentor. While pursuing her Masters’ degree full time, she developed a growing studio of bass students with her creative curriculum and committed holistic teaching style. She instilled in her students not only technical accomplishment but also a love of music and performance. She encouraged them to assume responsibility for their own achievements by co-planning individual concerts for family and friends, in addition to regular class recitals. In shared masterclasses, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how engaging, dynamic, and sensitive a teacher Toscha is as she worked with students of all ages – seamlessly improvising, innovating, and problem-solving meaningful tools for these students to support their own learning. I witnessed the growth of self-respect and a love of all learning that Toscha inspired in these musicians, as well as the unparalleled loyalty that resulted from their families.

I was so impressed by her skill that I asked Toscha to spearhead the music enrichment initiative with me that became Obligato Strings, and I have since developed into Mountainside Chamber Music. In response to a community need, Obligato developed string curriculum, organized masterclasses and summer camps for children, offered eclectic concert series, promoted young professionals in the community, provided affordable live and studio recording, and worked with existing community organizations to promote local talent while raising awareness of local issues.

It is my opinion that Toscha Turner is an excellent addition to any faculty, and would be an asset to the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications. As long as I have known her, Toscha has been able to consistently deliver the very best, often exceeding what I have thought possible.

Sincerely, Jeff Faragher Professional Cellist Music and Artistic Director, Symphony of the Kootenays M.Mus, McGill University MBA, University of Alberta 250-505-2508 jefffaragher@gmail.com www.jefffaragher.com www.breakwaterband.com Innovate, Perform, Inspire