To

Whom It May Concern,

April 6, 2016

Heidi Pridemore has been my student since she arrived at Drake University in the fall
of 2012. Since the first few weeks working together I noticed an incredible talent and
engagement. She absorbed everything I said, took criticism well and immediately set
about incorporating it. In my long experience as a teacher I have never had a student
who has grown as much as Heidi, continually jumping to new levels. In her time in my
studio she has become a musician and artist of the highest caliber, performing solo
and concerto repertoire with confidence.

I think she will have a wonderful future as an educator. She brings a depth of
knowledge to teaching, and has the abilities to model good playing and to help
students succeed. We worked closely together when I taught her pedagogy and I
observed her becoming an effective teacher of young students. She has shown a
creative ability to help students in all sorts of situations, to show a command of the
private lesson format and to devise new ways of connecting with students and getting
results. I have been impressed by this and have subsequently asked her to assist in
studio class and help me with my teaching at the college level.

Heidi has also shown leadership in orchestra and string ensemble, where she is
principal viola.

Furthermore, Heidi is always interested in pursuing new educational ideas for
instance, getting her Suzuki teacher training certificate and working with master
teachers to gain knowledge.

I can confidently say that she would be an asset to your string program and your
music community.

I can recommend her highly for your position.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sarah Plum
Associate Professor of Violin and Viola
Drake University
Sarah.plum@drake.edu