Miriam Bolkosky

Today we feature the spectacular Miriam Bolkosky, renowned cellist and teacher. Like so many musicians, Miriam has had to get creative about how to restructure her work and home life to find purpose in the pandemic and beyond.

THEN:  Before COVID, Miriam had a wonderfully busy schedule of freelancing, teaching, and parenting, and was in the middle of a rigorous training to become an Alexander Technique teacher.

Miriam performing at Longy Pickman Hall with the Radius Ensemble

NOW: When the pandemic hit, Miriam felt overwhelmed by the void. She writes, “It took awhile to figure out how to fill the void, but projects I’d put off are finally coming together, and the tower of books on my nightstand is shrinking.  I’m incredibly grateful to connect with my students online, and will soon launch a program specifically for their parents.” Miriam is a giver and a helper and is always finding ways to be productive and make a meaningful impact.  Miriam realized that parents of music students could use extra support during this era of remote lessons. She adds, “The complicated dance parents have to engage in right now means they all need some extra support and community. I sill soon be launching a program designed to coach parents”.

Miriam recording for a virtual Radius Ensemble concert

Hope:  Miriam says, “Examining my identity as a musician when not performing has been both painful and eye-opening.  This forced reset has me contemplating my next chapter and considering how I can use what I’ve learned during this time. I’m taking classes, focusing on what brings me joy, and reminding myself that one day this will be a memory.  I will miss my kids someday, right? What matters most is helping one another get through this, reaching out to friends, and connecting however we can. “