Jessica W  
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock

Music has always been a part of my life, as my family has a rich history of musicianship. My study however began in 1998 when I selected violin as my instrument for the school orchestra. Since then I have picked up the guitar, bass guitar, viola, cello, and voice. Composing and ear training has also taken a large role in my development as it is necessary for the competent and well rounded musician. What really fueled my fire was a two week camp in Potsdam, New York in 2007 where I was given the chance to stay in a college dorm, meet professors, work with graduate students, and play challenging music in the selected ensembles. On Long Island I was the second violin section leader of the Bay Area Community Orchestra and a 1st violin, and violist for the Suffolk County Community College Orchestra. Upon moving to Orlando, FL in 2018 I have joined the Central Florida Community Symphony Orchestra as a violist.

I like to begin the first lesson by recognizing the students strengths by having them show me what they can accomplish on their own. There are specific books that I like to teach out of depending on the skill level so that needs to be addressed during the first lesson. Recognizing and building on strengths to me should come before criticising weaknesses. Those will be addressed as they come along and exercises with scales and etudes will be chosen for those weaknesses, but that does not mean that challenging music needs to be played each and every time so that the student has to struggle for greatness. Not everyone will play Paganini's 24 Caprices, but everyone should be given the confidence and the tools to imagine their own success because success comes from within the player.