Piano Lessons in University Park, TX

Robert M

Instruments: Violin Music

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Actually it does! My great grandfather began to teach himself the violin and performing on the radio in the last century. I'm especially proud of this, given my interest in both music and history.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I've recently gotten into teaching myself the guitar. Another string instrument, so some principles are similar, but there is still enough to keep me learning for awhile. I've had a desire to learn guitar for awhile but never got a chance to purchase one until recently.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Romantic Era music is my favorite because that music is where I believe the violin's abilities shine brightly. This era of music opened the door to numerous styles and music unique compared to previous eras.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I'd love to perform Smetna's "Vltava" (The Moldau) the literal "flow" and beauty of the music is immaculate. I was hooked to this piece since the first time I've heard it performed.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Preferably something within the fields of history. History is another passion of mine, next to music and performing of course. I enjoyed learning history in school and for awhile thought about pursuing a career in it.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music. I chose this degree because of wide application of it. This degree is more broad than a performance or education degree, which leaves options and avenues for my future to be numerous.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I practice in three parts. Scales and their variations I play first. Etudes I play next to practice specific playing methods and styles. Then I work on specific repertoire, a solo piece and other music of my choosing that I want to play. These parts range from 30 minutes to two hours each depending on the day.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
For beginners, specific books are the best at teaching violin functionality. Hal Leonard and Suzuki are the two that I began with, and they helped me immensely as a beginner.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
My favorite moments were performing concerts in an orchestra. Hearing the appreciation from the audience is what makes the hard work so worth it for me. My desire to make someone happy with my music is what I am most proud of.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
This is a tricky question to answer. I felt like I was drawn to the violin the moment I heard it played on TV when I was a child. It may have been the romanticism that oozed from the violin. The song-like sound that it produced. I only knew that I wanted to learn how to play and have been at it for 17 years.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My first violin teacher inspired me the most. To this day I've spent most of my performance career learning under her guidance. She pushed me to improve and to want to play. I had the desire to be a good performer and she gave me that drive and motivation to keep working towards it.

When will I start to see results?
Results to me is not an appropriate word. As musicians we are constantly improving even after we take lessons. A better word would be improvement, and this all depends on the pace at which you learn. Learning to play an instrument effectively takes years for most, and lots of time and commitment. Improvement is constantly happening and all depends on how much you desire to learn and how much you are willing to learn.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If they show a willingness and noticeable desire to learn an instrument then they are immediately ready! You must ask your child if they really want to learn an instrument. See if they are willing to learn before committing to purchasing an instrument, materials and setting up lessons.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Patience and a relaxed state of mind is key for effective practicing. Frustration is common when something is not sounding right or if you cannot play something correctly. If one finds themselves frustrated, take a break. Drink some water, take deep breaths, get up and walk around until you are relaxed enough to continue. Results won't happen immediately, so keep at it !

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
It felt like something I've wanted to do since I began. It was a gradual decision but this is something I've done for years. Music is what I know best and achieving a career in it has been my goal for most of my life.

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