Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Carrying On The Tradition of Music

Music has been a major factor in my life since the third grade. From that point, up until graduating high school and even after, I have grown musically through playing in different orchestras, competing in Solo Ensemble, playing in the school orchestra and school plays, taking private lessons, playing for weddings and parties, and just getting together to play in quartets with friends.

Although I play violin and piano, for some reason I really excelled in violin, and it became my instrument of choice. I love everything about music and playing, but my senior year of high school I had to make a pretty tough decision. Music wasn't something I was going to major in. I can tell you why, but that's a whole other story. Basically I turned down a scholarship offer, and realized one can not make a career in music.

I wasn't really sure what I was going to do from there music-wise, until my dad came to me and said that his friend's wife opened up a music store in town, and are looking for private teachers. I thought that this could be kinda fun, so I told them I'm interested, and before I knew it, I was hired as a Violin Instructor for the Family Music Center, which taught Kindermusik.


Become a violin teacher for kids? How easy! (So I thought.)

After a few weeks of advertising and trying to get the word out, I had someone interested in taking lessons. So we got a day and time set up, and I was ready to begin teaching with my first student- A 5 year old Asian girl. I was nervous. I have a little experience with teaching violin, but to my age group, not to a little girl who's never picked up an instrument before in her life. So I did what my teachers in the past have done to me, and I followed the same teaching habits I remember that helped me, and it wasn't a month later before we were a quarter way through the first book.

In the musical world (And world in general...), Asians are stereotyped for being "Smart" and "Dedicated". I have come to the conclusion that this is so. This girl, Rene, absolutely spoiled me. She actually practiced, she cared, and she was a typical little girl who always interrupted me to ask who my favorite princess was. (Cinderella!). We absolutely flew through the steps to playing the violin, and she was playing decent songs before the end, when they decided to take a break.

My next few students to come weren't nearly as dedicated. In fact, since Rene, I haven't had a kid who picked it up that fast. (Since Rene, I haven't taught an Asian...).
Some students came and went, some stayed. It didn't matter though, I loved every bit of it.

Me, teaching one of my older students.
If you would have asked me two years ago if I wanted, or even liked kids, I would tell you no. But through this experience, through being around them more, and with the help of my past two other jobs, I have learned to really adore these little crib midgets. As it turns out, they really aren't that bad.

Right now, I'm looking into other music stores in So Cal. I found that I really do enjoy teaching, and of course I'll continue playing. Music is me, it's a passion, and I will never let it go.

A picture of me playing in high school.
I owe a huge thanks to Carolyn. Not only for bringing music into the younger generation, but to give me this incredible opportunity which has taught me so much more.

John, Carolyn, and Fam- If your in my area, let me know. A Disney trip ever 8+ years is unacceptable, and you have connections through me. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.



If your interested in lessons from the Family Music Center, check out their website:

The Family Music Center






"I like symphonic music. A good concert, if you're kind of relaxed, it can do something to you. It's sort of an emotional break you get by listening to the music." -Walt Disney





2 comments:

  1. Sounds like an amazing journey Austen. I have a feeling this is one of those to be continued stories.

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  2. Great post - I can relate, as someone who chose to not pursue a music major, I applaud your choice to keep it part of your life in some manner. Because music never truly leaves you. I hope you are able to continue on after your move!

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