Growing up
Cora Lee Khambatta’s journey to sharing the joy of music through teaching began on the prairie of Western Nebraska. She grew up along the Platte Valley River where the Oregon and Mormon Trails run. The setting was a ranch-style farm overlooking the bluff which gave the town its name: Scottsbluff. She was an extra farmhand who helped raise chickens, milked cows, and rounded up cattle on horseback. Her father played the cello in high school. She learned to play the piano to accompany her father on the cello in church and in school events. In addition to the cello, her father played the “common farm saw” which was a coveted spectacle in the community.
When she went to middle school, she participated in the National Guild Piano Auditions. The adjudicator, Beth Miller Harrod, offered her a music scholarship to study cello and piano at the Rocky Ridge Music Camp. Founded in 1942, by Ms. Harrod, a Julliard graduate, it is one of the oldest summer music program in the country. It is located at the foot of 14, 259 ft. Longs Peak in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. That summer, Cora Lee played a Mozart Concerto accompanied by Mrs. Harrod at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. The spark was lit! Her undergraduate professor recommended that she study with Rio Nardi at the Conservatorio di Firenze where she studied abroad.
Sharing the Joy of Music Through Teaching and NVMTA
Cora Lee’s membership and leadership in NVMTA began in 2018. She was asked to help with paperwork for the Baroque Festival. That role soon led to chairing the Judged Recitals. where she has been inspired by the dedication of students and the variety of repertoire performed. The Judged recitals are held about 6 times a year. These recitals offer students the opportunity to perform in a supportive environment. They hear a wide variety of repertoire and receive objective feedback from respected teachers who serve as judges. She notes that this position has given her a chance to connect with many local members of the music teachers organization. “Every time I’ve had to secure adjudicators or correspond with teachers, I’ve learned something new about each colleague.”
Cora Lee is also a proud member of the MusicLink program, founded by NVMTA’s own Joanne Haroutounian. MusicLink’s mission is to connect students with financial need to teachers who offer reduced-fee lessons, making music study more accessible. One of Cora Lee’s first MusicLink students recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in piano from Boston University. Ms. Khambatta received awards for Music Teacher of Distinction (2015) and MusicLink Teacher Laureate (2023) to honor her dedication. Additional honors were the 2005 Betty Kreiger Music Teacher of the Year, and the 2007 Tenth Annual Elizabeth Campbell Award.
Highlights
When asked what she likes most about playing the piano, Cora Lee reflected on how teaching students to play the piano has allowed her to have a rewarding interaction with students, especially when it leads to opening their music world. “When a student grasps those basic tenets and brings an expression of their inner voice into their musical performance, it is transcending. What I like most about playing piano and other forms of musical expression is the sharing of the musical language, another realm of reality.
Currently, her goals include continuing to prepare my students to play in the National Piano Guild and National Guild Diploma Programs, increasing student participation in NVMTA activities as well as continuing her involvement in the MusicLink program.
Reflecting on her long career, which also included teaching piano and creative dramatics at the Capital Hill Arts Workshop, Cora Lee says she has loved the opportunity to guide students both inside and outside the classroom. She says, “I am constantly learning new teaching perspectives in approaching students. However, I remember one student performing a piece we had worked on with an interpretation that brought tears to my eyes. That had a big impact on me.”
Cora Lee said, “ In a required philosophy class for an MA in Education, I wrote a paper that argued that teaching is an interactive process between the student and the teacher. This year, I worked arduously on a ten-piece program for the National Guild with a senior. I saw how each recommended practice technique brought the results in the overall performance and resulted in creating a credible, even inspiring performance.”
Proud Moments and Advice
Among my most proud moments are taking my Spanish Chorus to the Inter-national AOSA Convention in Pittsburgh (2011), performances at the National Theatre Helen Hayes Theatre and the Kennedy Center and helping my college bound students pursue conservatory training and careers in music. I am also proud that my son has a Dance Company in Seattle Washington.
Beyond music, Cora Lee enjoyed horseback riding while growing up and now treasures time spent communicating with her family. She also likes to listen to most forms of music such as Classical, Jazz, and Global Music.
Cora Lee’s advice to new NVMTA members is simple but powerful: “Explore the many options NVMTA offers. These opportunities sustain your musicianship, nurture your students and strengthen the organization. Find ways to participate in sustaining the organization.” She fondly recalls a meeting under past president Libby McConnell that featured Baroque dancing at the Arlington Woman’s club. Cora Lee thinks that the small group events will be fun for socializing and networking among members.
