Music Profile:

Olivia Cresswell, M. Mus., A.R.C.T.

 

A native of western Canada, Olivia has performed regularly as soloist, accompanist and chamber musician (in both classical and sacred piano) since an early teenager. Her solo piano performances include concerts at Douglas College (BC, Canada), the University of British Columbia, Greater Vancouver Baptist Church (BC), New Westminster United Church (BC), Rio Grande Bible Institute (TX), Bob Jones University (SC), Bethel Baptist Church (IL), Presbyterian College (SC), the University of South Carolina, Northside Baptist Church (SC), and Interlochen Arts Camp (MI). Olivia was selected as soloist with the Bob Jones University Symphony Orchestra, performing Beethoven’s “Emperor Concerto,” with conductor Dr. Gordon Mason. She has had extensive accompanying experience; vocal and instrumental, large ensemble and solo. Olivia has accompanied for dozens of choir directors including Eric Hanan, Dr. Stan Eby, Dr. Gordon Mason, Dr. Warren Cook,  Dr. Dwight Gustafson, and Dr. David Stahl.  She has performed as rehearsal and performance accompanist for much of the major choral literature, including Verdi’s “Requiem,” Handel’s “Messiah,” Prokofieff’s “Alexander Nevsky,” and Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.” She was a staff accompanist (including opera accompanist) at Bob Jones University and Interlochen Arts Camp. Olivia has performed for many major clinicians and adjudicators including Jane Coope, Alexander Peskanov, Jane Magrath, Boris Berman and Claude Frank. Olivia’s private piano teachers were some of the most sought after pedagogues in Canada, including Robin Harrison, Henri-Paul Sic Sic, and Edward Parker. Olivia studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto, Ont.), Douglas College (New Westminster, B.C.), the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, B.C.), and Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC).

 

Olivia’s has loved teaching piano for more than 30 years. She has prepared many of her students for the bi-annual National Conservatory examinations, and has taught beginner through college levels of piano performance, sight reading, ear training, technique, rudiments, harmony, improvisation, music history, counterpoint and analysis. She was honored with the Conservatory’s “founding teacher” award, for being “instrumental in establishing a national standard for developing musicians in the United States of America.” Currently, she teaches all ages and abilities, from pre-school to post-retirement. This past semester she worked with nearly 80 weekly students. Her heart is to demonstrate a love and passion for beautiful music and to pass it on! Her hope within her studio is to model the love and joy that Jesus gives.

 

Olivia worked in several different community venues, including collaborative pianist for the College of Charleston, accompanist for the Singers of Summerville, and accompanist and choral assistant for Staley High School. Olivia was the main pianist at Northside Baptist Church, North Charleston, SC and performed as a soloist and accompanist for congregational worship, choirs, solos and instrumental ensembles. She later held the same job title at Metro Baptist Church, Kansas City, MO, where her husband was the senior pastor. Currently, she plays again for Northside Baptist in North Charleston, SC, where her husband pastors.

 

Olivia is active as a music writer. She produced a two-volume set of advanced piano settings entitled “All Strength and Wisdom” and a piano recording entitled “Our Strength, Our Wisdom, OUR GOD.” Olivia has written several intermediate level sacred piano collections. Olivia writes meaningful choral music, whether for beginner or advanced voices. Having a heart for the small, local church, Olivia is currently writing a series of very simple choir settings with optional congregational input.  With a deep love for world hymnody, Olivia has served as an editor and writer for a Nepali hymnal, as well as an American psalter. Olivia has a line of congregational hymns, and is preparing to print a supplemental hymnal for congregational worship. Olivia's instrumental line is growing and will soon include a sacred collection for strings, and a sacred collection for brass.

 

Olivia holds a Masters of Music degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC and an A.R.C.T. degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Ont., Canada, with additional studies at Douglas College and the University of British Columbia.

 

Olivia currently resides in Charleston, SC with her dear husband, Jonathan, and their five precious children, Kendall, Cole, Chloe, Clay, and Cadence.