Interview with Katie O’Rourke, Pianist, Feldenkrais Practitioner, Teacher

Katie has taught piano for nearly twenty years, and her love for the instrument began after taking lessons with a family friend at age six. Even in moments of deep frustration with the challenges of making ten fingers do ten different things, music kept calling her back.

After earning a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Western Washington University, Katie taught at two music schools and enjoyed a vibrant performing career collaborating with local musicians, serving as pianist for the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra. 

After developing persistent shoulder pain, her teacher suggested  attending a Feldenkrais class where she immediately connected with the subtle movements and student-centered approach. What began as a path toward healing quickly became a new way to teach. 

In 2021, Katie became a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®. She is also a Certified Oxygen Advantage® Advanced Breathing Instructor and a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music.

Top 5 Songs of Encouragement
1) Blink by Hiroshi Yoshimura
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaZI5KUC7U0&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=1

2) Chorale Prelude BWV 639, “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr” by Bach, Performed by Tatiana Nikolayeva
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ckdRu6bXlw&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=2

3) En Gallop by Joanna Newsom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN6rRJ8ulQ0&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=3

4) How Far I’ll Go (from Moana) Lyrics : Auli'i Cravalho
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PRQmLXC6TA&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=4

5) Rachmaninoff: 12 Songs, Op. 21 - V. Lilacs 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTbylwbqtGU&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=5
Lyrics: 
In the morning, at dawn,
Through the dew-clad grass,
I shall walk, breathing in the freshness of morning;
And to the fragrant shade,
Where lilacs cluster,
I shall go in search of happiness…

In life there is but one happiness
That I am fated to find,
And that happiness dwells in the lilacs;
On their green branches,
In their fragrant clusters
My poor happiness blooms…