Valerie J. Becker is a multi-faceted musician who is active as a pianist, conductor and music educator.  She has been a soloist with the Boston Pops and has appeared in recital with many major artists throughout the world. As a former rehearsal pianist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra she had the occasion to play for world-renowned artists such as Midori, James Galway, YoYo Ma, Kathleen Battle and Isaac Stern. Ms. Becker also taught at the North Carolina School for the Arts, has performed on both radio and television and has recorded on the ASV label.

Her work with developing voices includes serving on the Performing Arts Faculty of the Winsor School, serving as Music Director for the Needham Congregational Church, working with choral groups for 15 summers at Tanglewood, serving as pianist for the Metropolitan Opera regional auditions and as past conductor for Boston City Singers and Artistic Director for the Treble Chorus of New England, where she directed at any given point all levels of choirs. Ms. Becker has adjudicated Northeast District auditions, conducted the Northeast District Trebles in Concert, and has been a Choral Clinician for the Choristers Guild Southeastern Children’s Festival.

She is currently on the faculty of The Commonwealth School, New England Conservatory Prep School, the Rivers School Conservatory, and Needham High School. Ms. Becker also continues to perform as a freelance collaborative artist, teacher and conductor in the Boston area. 

A native of Boston, Ms. Becker received both her Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from Boston University, where she was also awarded membership into Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor society. Her post graduate studies led her to the University of Illinois where she worked on an accompaniment and coaching degree, to Austria where she studied German Lieder, and to Italy where she performed with the Rome Festival Orchestra.

 

Musical Philosophy

Music has been an integral part of my life since the age of four, so it has never seemed like a job. It is my passion and I want to share and instill that passion in others. I have been very blessed in working with some of the world’s most gifted musicians and teachers. They have been my inspiration throughout my life.

 
Music touches us in a very unique way. It is a window into ourselves, our culture and our communities linking our past and our present. Everyone benefits from having music in his or her life. It awakens curiosity, encourages risk taking, builds teamwork, community, cooperation, and collaboration, and teaches respect and patience. By exploring different facets of music there are opportunities to enhance and expand life skills such as connection with others, confidence, pride and joy. Music taps our emotions, psyches, creativity and reverence. It is both deeply personal and universally meaningful. 

 
Knowing my students is extremely important to me. Taking an interest in their likes and dislikes makes our relationship both in and out of the classroom or rehearsal a more fulfilling one. A teacher does not know everything and must be willing to listen and think about thoughtful suggestions and comments from their students.

 
The students that work with me are active musicians! Regardless of their age or their level of ability, I truly believe that all my students can succeed in exploring and discovering the richness and beauty of music. It is important to encourage them in a caring, positive, supportive and safe environment and to make the study of music engaging, fulfilling, and enjoyable.

 
I want to introduce children and young adults to both choral singing and instrumental ensemble playing and instill in them, a life-long passion for music. Playing an instrument or learning to sing takes time and effort. Children learn patience, perseverance and discipline. In a musical ensemble students work together to make music, learning to wait to play or sing at the proper time as they collaborate and cooperate with each other. The students contribute to an artistic product that is greater than who they are and that result is something of great beauty.

 
Ultimately, my greatest joy and responsibility is to open a window for my students as I introduce and guide them in their musical journey. I want them to be proud of who they are, what they can accomplish and to have a desire to be a responsible citizen in both school and their community. Music encourages compassion, gentleness and sensitivity. Their success is a tribute to their work to be the best that they can possibly be. I don’t want my students to settle for less; on the contrary, I encourage them to be their best.