My summer in Tignes

By Kathy Acosta Zavala

My name is Kathy Acosta Zavala and I am a proud member of the Alpha

Beta Chapter at the University of Arizona. This past summer I had the most
incredible musical experience, which was made possible thank you to the
Summer Music Scholarship that our beloved sisterhood awards every year.
I am a classical guitar player starting my Graduate
degree this year at the University of Arizona and during
my summer, I attended MusicAlp, a summer program that
takes place during the end of July and beginning of
August in Tignes, France. The journey to Europe was in
itself an unimaginable moment, but getting to study with
one of the most renowned teachers and performers in the
classical guitar world was an unforgettable and lifechanging experience. I had daily lessons with Judicael
Perroy, who was a charismatic, strict and patient teacher.
We worked on my new competition repertoire for the
upcoming year and on the pieces that I would keep from
my old repertoire for preliminary rounds in competitions.
During my time in Tignes, I was also able to listen to daily evening concerts
featuring the other professors, who were top performers in their own
instrumental field. Also, we had several evening lectures being my favorite:
J.S. Bachs Dance Suites by Jacqueline Ross.
The guitar concentration was one of the most dynamic from camp. We
had a public masterclass and fun excursions with our professor Judicael and
the rest of the guitarists. This allowed me to become very good friends with
my colleagues, whom I hope to visit soon. The guitar concentration also had
an additional end-of-the-session concert, which was well attended and it
allowed me to learn a lot from my peers.
I was chosen at the end of the camp to perform at the
final showcase concert, which took place at the Tignes
Space Concert hall. This was such an exiting performance
and I was so honored to have been chosen to represent my
instrument.
The music immersion I experience during my summer
in France has taken my music to the next level allowing me
to play passionately every day. I feel that this experience will
be forever treasured in my heart, and I cant thank our
sisterhood enough for making this a reality.