Music had always been a part of my life. In kindergarten we sang simple songs. In first grade we received a recorder with only one hole; in second grade we got a recorder with three. By third grade I was playing duets with my friends and sneaking off during recess to sing duets in the girls’ bathroom. So when fourth grade rolled around and we were given violins I thought it would be just as enjoyable as the other musical endeavors I had been a part of. The rest, I guess you could say, is history.
Wait a minute! That’s not how it went….
Formal instrument lessons were not as easy as I had anticipated. Sure, I enjoyed them but I had no idea how much time I had to commit outside of the classroom to this wooden box with four strings and a stick with horsehair attached to it. I sounded really bad to begin with, and absolutely hated practicing. I soon learned that being prepared for classes made learning much more fun, and eventually I was scheduling my free time at home with practice time – no urging from my parents required.
Now, practicing was no walk in the park. I can vividly recall many frustrated practice sessions filled with out of tune notes, scratchy strings and stomping feet. I think there may have even been some tears. But do you know what I learned? I learned to love something. I learned to persevere. I learned to work hard for something even when it seems unattainable at the beginning, and also when to take a break. I learned how to be critical yet kind to myself. I learned how to be patient. I learned to listen in ways that I had never known before, and also how to appreciate silence. Later, when introduced to chamber music, I learned how to apply these skills to others. How can one be patient with someone else if they cannot be patient with themselves? How can you collaborate with someone if you do not know how to communicate in an effective manner? These were all skills that I had to learn in order to be able to play my violin; in order to make music with and for others, and ultimately for myself.
So yes, eventually I figured it all out, and am now a professional violist (*I switched to viola the summer before my senior year of high school), but the goal of taking lessons is not necessarily to become a professional musician, it’s to learn all these skills that are valued aspects of being human.
LESSONS – I accept students of all ages and abilities for half hour, 45 or 60 minute lessons, and tailor each class to the individual. I use a combination of method books, supplemented by basic music theory and listening. Most lessons start with a warm up of some kind, followed by review and new repertoire. All my students perform two recitals each year, ideally one solo and one chamber piece, either with a fellow student or myself. These recitals provide an opportunity for them to showcase a few pieces that gives them a sense of ownership and pride in the work they’ve done.
I teach out of my home studio in Pepperell, MA, and am currently accepting new students for the upcoming school year. Please contact me for rates and availability.
