Guitar Lessons in Jacksonville, FL

Instruments: Violin Viola

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music does not run in my family. Generations ago there may have been on an individual on my mothers' side that played the violin, but who really knows? All of my siblings, however, played an instrument. My older sister played the flute and viola, and my older brother was a jazz saxophonist. I was the only sibling that went on to study music in college though. I think it's important to note that my family is very artistic and can build anything with their hands, I think that says more about the type of person that I am than the fact that no one in my family was a famous musician.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided to become a professional musician in 2013. I had bounced around with majors the second year of college and by my junior year (just a tad behind schedule) I made the decision that Music was going to be my career and money maker. I had a teacher that really brought the idea of myself being good enough to make a living playing my violin and that's truly what gave me the confidence to take the leap. It's a tough thing to say, but everyone can learn an instrument and feel fulfilled by it, but not everyone can make a living doing so.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite style of music to play is classical. Classical music is highly detailed and can be played a thousand different ways. You can make the same four measures sound different every single time they are played. Classical music is a science, there is a reasoning behind every note and it can be observed and tinkered with for years. Classical music has truly passed the test of time. Some of the worlds greatest artists are classical musicians and it is an honor to be able to play what they thought of thousands of years ago.

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 Music Degree in Violin Performance. I chose to study this in college because I have always been fascinated by the technique and skill it takes to play the violin. While studying performance I also was able to take classes that focused on the History of Classical, Romantic and Contemporary music, which helps me better understand the music I am expected to play as a professional musician. Understanding why composers wrote what they wrote can make learning the music that much easier. Take Mozart for example; he wrote things in his music that can be found in every single one of his pieces. Knowing this tells you what to expect from any piece of music written by Mozart, thus allows you to learn the specific technique that it takes to play Mozart's music well.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Each of my practice sessions starts with slow scales for 5-10 minutes and then an accelerated scale. Scales hone our ability to play in tune, which some might say is the most difficult part of playing any string instrument. After scales I choose an Etude or Exercise that further warms up my fingers and bow arm. Sometimes an Etude can take up the majority of my practice if I am working on a new skill or technique. After Etudes I focus on solo repertoire, recital preparation or orchestra music. As a professional musician, we don't always have the time to focus on skill and technique, sometimes we get a gig with 24 hours notice and we have to learn the music quickly and proficiently.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I teach using the Suzuki Books and when requested by the parent, the Suzuki Method. I chose this method of teaching because it is the method that I learned the violin with, and I have also seen it truly work. What I find special about the Suzuki Books is from the very beginning you are playing songs, whole songs--not just short 4-6 measure songs. When the student hears themselves playing a recognizable song they feel accomplished and proud of themselves. With the specific Suzuki Method and not just the books comes support from the parent, if the parent cannot be present in the lesson (which is understandable) the Suzuki Method will not work.

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