Above: The “deconstructed” upstairs hallway leading to an attic turned guest space. The home’s interior piping is visible through the purposely unfinished wall. Below: The uptight piano came with the house: A good omen for a family of musicians.
I love when people come to visit—it gives us the chance to continue being part of that wider community.” Where Work Is Child’s Play A modern addition to the back of the house, split into two studios, provides the couple with ample workspace. Upstairs, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room within light and frame views of Port Ewen, is Loshak’s studio. Family heirlooms—her grandfather’s piano and a desk built from his handcrafted mahogany cabinetry—are interspersed with a library of classics and Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy. For Loshak, the shift in address has coincided with a larger shift of purpose. Next fall, she’ll begin teaching first grade at the Mountain Laurel School in New Paltz. She looks forward to the new role and says studying Steiner’s works has helped her approach music, and life, holistically. Along with writing and performing her own music (against one wall sits the red couch where she films her intimate “couch concerts”that she posts on her website), Loshak gives voice lessons and leads three choirs. Downstairs, Taylor’s studio is lined with early Gustafer sketches and posters of his creative idols—the band KISS. It’s where Taylor composes and does the artwork for his series and where he’s building on the success afforded by the Grammy nomination. One small issue: The Ethan Allen bus terminal is close enough to break his reverie. “The only thing I didn’t take into account was that I sometimes have to wait to do a vocal take for—” Taylor breaks into a rhythmic, staccato whistle, the exact pitch and tempo of a bus backing up. It’s the kind of impersonation—dead-on, loud, and slightly manic—that not just children love. “I might one day have to work it in,” he admits. Then he quickly adds, “But I’m NOT recording ‘Wheels on the bus.’” Rachel Loshak’s children’s choir is performing at the Mountaintop School Music and Merriment Festival on May 7. She will be performing at the Rail Trail Cafe in Rosendale on June 19 and July 31. For more information: Rachelloshak.com; Gustaferyellowgold.com. 52 HOME & GARDEN CHRONOGRAM 5/16