Honored by Poland’s Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society as an Ambassador of Polish Percussion, internationally renowned marimba virtuoso and chamber musician, Katarzyna Myćka discovered the marimba as her ideal medium for musical expression while studying at the music colleges in Gdansk, Stuttgart, and Salzburg. She is a professor at the Music Academy in her hometown of Gdansk, 
Poland, as well at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany. Professor Myćka’s dedication to training young percussionists also extends to being a juror at international competitions, and by founding the International Katarzyna Myćka Marimba Academy (IKMMA) in 2003.
As a performer she has garnered numerous prizes and awards at international music competitions, and by invitation to present concerts and master classes in North America, Asia, and Europe. Professor Myćka has performed at the Osaka, Linz, and Minneapolis Marimba Festivals, as well as at numerous Percussive Arts Society International Conferences. Furthermore, as a soloist she has performed with such renowned ensembles as: the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bochum Symphony, the Polish Chamber Philharmonic Sopot, Camerata Israeli, RSO Luxembourg, and the Vienna, Prague, and Heilbronn Chamber Orchestras.
Professor Myćka’s diverse solo programs have featured transcriptions of works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Sergei Prokofiev, as well as original compositions by such composers as: Emmanuel Séjourné and Anna Ignatowicz. In addition to having recorded ten CDs that focus on a cross section of the marimba repertoire, she devotes much time and enthusiasm to working with composers who research and understand the special, and wonderful sound of the marimba.
When did you begin studying music?
I started when I was six years old.
Did you always study percussion?
I first started with the piano, which I played for 10 years before switching to percussion.
What made you choose percussion?
I had a very active and motivated teacher who introduced me to elementary aspects of percussion. After hearing him perform Blues for Gilbert by Mark Glentworth, it instilled in me the desire to learn more about percussion instruments.
When did you decide to pursue a career in music?
Actually I didn’t decide. I was just following my desire and love for percussion day by day! Being open and dedicated led me to festivals where I was able to meet some amazing musicians, and I thought: music is connecting people. This was for sure a very important aspect for me.
Did you have a specific goal?
Not really, I just wanted to play!!!
Have you always focused on the Marimba?
I didn’t see a marimba in my first three years of studying percussion. For many years I played, and still do, a variety of percussion instruments; but I established my career as a marimba player.
Who impacted your musical growth the most?
My grandfather, my teachers, my musical partners, people who believed in me. Books, exhibitions, people, travels – everything!
What teaching positions have you held?
I’ve had a few, and now I’m in two beautiful places: Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, and St. Moniuszko Music Academy in Gdańsk, Poland.
What percussionists have inspired you?
NEXUS: they are the heaven of chamber music; Double Image with David Friedman and Dave Samuels; and marimbists from Latin America.
Is there a specific genre you enjoy performing the most?
I would say no. Just that the music I perform should catch my artistic attention in some way.
What composers do you identify with?
This is a difficult question because I can name many. But off the top of my head I would say Bach, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Hindemith, Ravel, Widmann, Gubaidulina, Reich, and Jacques Loussier. In regard to composers writing for percussion it would be Anna Ignatowicz-Glińska, and Christos Hatzis.
Do you get nervous before you play?
I try to prepare the best I can; eat something healthy before a performance; be properly warmed up; and arrive at the concert hall quite a while in advance so I’m not rushed. All together this helps calm my nerves so that I can be focused on my performance.
Do you ever make a mistake while performing?
What is a mistake? I’m not perfect, just a human being – trying with every concert to be the best version of myself. My priority is to be honest and transport my energy to the audience. The goal is for me to touch people emotionally, move something in their soul, and activate a region of their spirit they might not have expected to experience.
Has your practice regimen changed from when you were a student?
Of course, because I’m in a different situation now. During my studies it was important for me to develop a certain technique and know how to activate it in a concert. But now I focus on a proper warm up, and practice time is dependent on my schedule, and what is needed to prepare for my next performance.
How do you define a good musician and a good teacher?
A good musician is someone who manages to touch people with his/her art. Whereas a good teacher is someone who helps students find their own way to solve problems; and who guides gently through how he/she coaches the student. Music is a very sensitive field!
Do you think that performing and teaching are intrinsically intertwined?
No, not at all. There is a huge responsibility in the teaching profession. Often soloists are strong individuals, and not always patient or good pedagogically.
Has teaching made you a better musician?
I don’t think so. Teaching made me start thinking consciously about many issues, such as finding solutions to problems which I never experienced; or to answer questions which I never needed to ask.
Knowing what you know today, would you change how you prepared for your career?
I don’t think so. My performing career developed naturally. I concentrated on playing, learning repertoire, and finding good partners to share the stage with. I never focused on building a career per se. But in retrospect if I were to change anything, it would have been to build up confidence in myself and my abilities.
What words of wisdom would you share with students?
Do what you like to do most. Because besides sleeping, you’ll probably spend most of your life working. And most importantly, be your best friend.
If you would like to learn more about Professor Myćka, please visit her website at: www.marimbasolo.com
