about
Where did it begin?
With two professional pianists for parents, I’ve been connected to this instrument since before I was born. The piano was my lifeline when one of those parents (my father) died suddenly, and it is the largest object that I will happily lug across state lines.
My history with this instrument is the foundation for everything that I do - performing, co-directing the nonprofit Organ Colossal, teaching, composing, and organizing communal musical spaces.
I believe that vulnerability and empathy are a practice, and that they must inform everything I do.
I believe that shared listening experiences are a powerful tool for communities.
I believe that music is magic.
With two professional pianists for parents, I’ve been connected to this instrument since before I was born. The piano was my lifeline when one of those parents (my father) died suddenly, and it is the largest object that I will happily lug across state lines.
My history with this instrument is the foundation for everything that I do - performing, co-directing the nonprofit Organ Colossal, teaching, composing, and organizing communal musical spaces.
I believe that vulnerability and empathy are a practice, and that they must inform everything I do.
I believe that shared listening experiences are a powerful tool for communities.
I believe that music is magic.
“Vastek’s fingers fly…. with passion and profound tenderness”
“serene strokes and lyrical beauty”
“Une merveille! (A wonder!)
”10 Women Musicians from the Capital Region
That You Should be Listening to Right Now”
Press for “Histories” Album
"Vastek’s fingers fly through the rapturous piano solo with passion and profound tenderness, almost as though the melodies were born in her bones." -Second Inversion
“The result is both an homage to Vastek’s own individual histories but also a beautiful mosaic of the larger cultural intersections of our world—and how we weave those histories together through music." -Second Inversion
"Intriguing melding of sounds and flavors." - Jazz Weekly
Press for The Lift Series
Interview on WAMC’s The Roundtable with Sarah LaDuke
Article in The Collaborative Magazine
”The Lift Series looks to unite audiences, celebrate Troy”
Write-up in The Saratogian
Announcement in Berkshire on Stage
Feature Article in the Albany Times Union
“serene strokes and lyrical beauty”
“Une merveille! (A wonder!)
”10 Women Musicians from the Capital Region
That You Should be Listening to Right Now”
Press for “Histories” Album
"Vastek’s fingers fly through the rapturous piano solo with passion and profound tenderness, almost as though the melodies were born in her bones." -Second Inversion
“The result is both an homage to Vastek’s own individual histories but also a beautiful mosaic of the larger cultural intersections of our world—and how we weave those histories together through music." -Second Inversion
"Intriguing melding of sounds and flavors." - Jazz Weekly
Press for The Lift Series
Interview on WAMC’s The Roundtable with Sarah LaDuke
Article in The Collaborative Magazine
”The Lift Series looks to unite audiences, celebrate Troy”
Write-up in The Saratogian
“It honors the past, yet has an edge because it foretells the future. But, by the curator’s definition, it is music for contemporary audiences. Making it cooler, it is offered in a speakeasy setting within one of the great music halls of the world.”
Announcement in Berkshire on Stage
Feature Article in the Albany Times Union
“Couple brings new energy to music scene in Troy”
︎find me in troy, ny
︎join my subscription
︎join my subscription