When I took Violin Lessons

Everyone is a Student

A little of my violin lesson story.

As a homeschooled student, my parents had several requirements for our education beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. We each had to play sports, and play an instrument. My sister took piano, my other sister flute, my brother played the trumpet, and my oldest brother raced bicycles at the velodrome. I started with piano but very quickly learned I did not like it. I begged my Mom to quit, but she said "You have to pick another instrument." Thinking for a moment I remembered music I loved listening to "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" where each instrument showcased their unique voice, and I loved the voice of the violins. I promptly blurted out "The violin! I want to play the violin!" My Mom looked at me with a compassionate look "Are you sure? The violin is a really hard instrument to play." My 8 year old soul rose then and there to the occasion "YES! I'm sure! I want the violin!" And so began my violin lessons.

At the Lyons Fiddle Festival.

My teacher was patient, kind, and my favorite part of lessons was listening to her tune my instrument. I LOVED to play the open strings and feel their resonance shake my instrument with the broad low sound of the G and D strings. I loved to hear her match the pitches til they were just right.

Violin Lessons Give you Opportunities

During my time playing the violin as a student, I played in my church, I competed in the Lyons Fiddle Festival, and I learned from the many kind fiddlers just jamming on the grounds. Their joy for music was infectious, and the friendships I made there left an impact on me. I also joined a local community orchestra, which was my favorite. I loved feeling being a part of something so large and beautiful. The members of the orchestra ranged from 13 (me) to 91 (an older gentleman who played the Bass.) I learned so much from my stand partner, an adult learner returning to the love of her school days and rediscovering music. Her joy was infectious too. Throughout my life my violin has been a way for me to say what I'm thinking and feeling. To express my joys, my sadness, and many things in between. It has been a way for me to try new things, meet new people, and learn so many important life skills. Music has saved my life, and given me so many good gifts. I still take violin lessons today because my journey isn't over, and I have so much more to learn.

Finding Joy and Balance

I hope that I can give you what violin lessons gave me, a sense of joy and wonder in the beauty of music, and a place to express yourself that is safe and yours. If you'd like to see if we're a good fit, feel free to contact me to book a lesson, but I do know that where ever your violin lessons or viola lessons take place, I hope the best for you on your musical journeys. May you find joy, and your own voice.