Craig McNutt, Principal Timpani

Where did you grow up? Cape Cod
Where do you live now? Westwood, Massachusetts
Educational Background: Degrees from the Hartt School of Music and Yale University, additional studies at New England Conservatory
Personal info (family, kids, pets, etc.) I have a wonderful wife and an equally wonderful daughter, plus a cat who thinks he is wonderful

How did you get started in music?

 I started on Suzuki violin in 1st grade, took up the drums in 7th grade.

 

When did you join the Rhode Island Philharmonic?

 1992.

What are your non-RIPO musical activities?

 Freelancing in the Boston area, including the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Opera Boston.

What is the question you’re asked most often when you tell people you play with the RIPO?

 Do I actually own any timpani, and do I keep them in my house?

What is your favorite RIPO memory to date?

 Too many to pick one – Performing as soloist for Russell Peck’s Harmonic Rhythm, any performance of a Beethoven Symphony, or Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, or not of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11,…

Do you teach? If so, where?

 I teach at the Music School of the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Wellesley College, and the New England Conservatory Preparatory School.

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job?

 Ski instructor.

What are your non-musical hobbies?

 Raising a daughter.

Who or what has been your greatest influence, musical or otherwise?

 Besides my family, my principal teachers –Alexander Lepak, Gordon Gottlieb, and Frank Epstein.

What is your favorite music?

 What are you currently listening to?

 Looking back on a single favorite music choice from the past is like seeing pictures of your wardrobe ca. 1984…simply put, I try to keep an open mind to any new piece I encounter. Currently I am exploring the complete symphonies of Rued Langgaard.

What/where do you like to eat in the Providence area?

  The Parkside Rotisserie and Bar – the best service in Providence.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

 Thank you for listening to our performances. I hope you get as much out of the music as I do, even if what you get is completely different from what I get.

Visit my website to learn more

www.craigmcnutt.com