I love music, it is such a blessing and brings so much joy and freedom. God has surely changed me through and with music.
Please let me share my journey:
My family is musical. My dad led a brass choir, so we all learned the trumpet. Mom adored piano, so my siblings and I were bussed to a nearby town to learn foundational skills from a church music director. I have found the piano can be useful in teaching, yet
as a young girl, I continued to yearn to play violin.
Growing up as a shy girl on a small farm in Germany, with little resources, my hopes seemed far-fetched. The world seemed rough, and I wasn’t sure I could compete in it.
My dreams felt unattainable until I received my first violin at eleven years old!( Given to me by my dad ( Papa).So its special)
My first teacher was a piano teacher at school. It was an introduction, but technique lacked. Though I was scared to make such a huge change; at 16, my parents decided I would benefit from a boarding school one hour away from our home. This proved to be the best decision for me in every way. I connected with the other students, my grade improved, and most importantly my violin technique refined.
The last two years of high school were akin to two years of music college. They were very enriching and I learned a lot. My favorite teacher encouraged me to practice two hours a day, which greatly
increased my confidence. So much so, that at my graduation recital I was able to play Dvorak Sonatina with lots of passion and skill to everyone’s amazement!
Music was my life; I fully expected to go to university, to major in music. That was not to be. I felt a gentle nudge from the Lord to go a completely different route. I attended nursing school for three years, worked at a hospital, and learned other valuable life
skills.
My new challenge came as I joined our church worship team. They flowed in contemporary style of improvisation that was unfamiliar. I held such deeply ingrained training from sheet music; I could barely fathom playing by ear as others on the team
were doing. The basic guitar skills I taught myself as a teenager helped bridge this new experience. Which began a personal quest to expand my violin playing beyond technique, into improvisation.
Life took another dramatic turn; I married and we quickly moved to the United States.
There I was, a newlywed amongst foreign traditions, and expected to speak in a language I was not well-versed in. It was true culture shock.
The violin was my constant. Joining a new worship band, my confidence began to increase as well as freedom with my instrument. I also received a powerful word of encouragement and beauty; “You will play better than before.” Wow. I learned the
impact of those words, as I soared into new-found freedom of improvisation.
I began to be encouraged to teach violin. Those old insecurities arose. Was I good enough? Could I teach? Encouraged through multiple confirmations; I sought out Suzuki training to hone my skills. I attribute this training, as well as my faith, to the excellence I
provide my students as their teacher.
The violin continues to be a favorite outlet for me- through orchestras and bands, as well as continued training, I like to think I am a life-long learner, as well as an instructor.
Which is why I want to share my knowledge with you. I find it heartbreaking when students are limited in their playing and their technique is lacking. You can become a great violinist and also improvise well. I would very much like to train and support you on
your own violin journey.
My belief is that everyone can learn to play music. With good training, strong support, regular practice and listening; your music skills, like exercised muscles, will increase. I desire to help you overcome obstacles along the way and help release your freedom to play well ( doesn’t matter if you played for a wile or just beginning) and also to improvise if you desire. Good basic violin skills are detrimental to playing well. We can begin this journey in person at my studio in Plano or right here online. The years I have spent teaching face-to-face, will now expand to our online community. This saves you time and money traveling, and allows for greater scheduling access. Please send me a message ,so we can talk.
