Voice Lessons in Tucson, AZ

Instruments: Violin Viola

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I believe the hardest thing to master on the violin/viola is bow control. Holding the bow is like holding nothing else. Aside from holding the bow, controlling the bow is an entirely different story. Some musicians spend decades trying to master bow control, and some might even say that no one has mastered the violin, because no one has mastered bow control. It takes patience and lots of self-reflection to learn most of the violin. You have to put yourself under a microscope and determine what is working and what is not. The sooner you learn how to self-reflect, the soon your practice time will become more productive.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I have students go on to study music in college and be accepted into youth orchestras. They were successful because they wanted to be, meaning they put forth effort outside of their lessons. They always tried their very best. I don't believe success comes from spending five hours practicing every day, but you do have to dedicate a portion of your day to your goals and practice. My students who have been awarded for their work truly worked hard. You do not, however, have to take lessons to be the best of the best, you can take lessons simply to have fun and fulfill the part of you that loves music.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
The musical accomplishments I am most proud of are my two Masters recitals. The preparation and practice that went into each of those recitals made me believe that I can do anything. Second to my recitals were the opportunities I had to play at Carnegie Hall at the age of 12 and later at Lincoln Center in college. Playing at venues that the "worlds greatest" have performed at is humbling. It makes you realize that anything can be achieved with a little hard work. You do not have to be the greatest musician in the world to make an impact on your community, you just need hard work and determination.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose my primary interest simply because there was another girl in my daycare that played the violin. She was so talented and would practice at daycare and the simple answer is, at 4 years old I guess I thought that was cool. I started taking lessons at 5 years old, and there were definitely moments during my teenage years that I wanted to quit, but my parents and teacher saw potential. It wasn't until I was in college did I truly fall in love with the violin--it's a versatile instrument that can sound absolutely breathtaking when played correctly.

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