notes
notes
Back       How to be Student Musician of the Month
Student Musician of the Month

About Graeme

My name is Graeme. This is my eighth year playing the violin, and I have had the same teacher for the whole time. I have an amazing teacher, and she always knows just what to say to inspire me to practice more and work harder!

This year I am the concertmaster for my Suzuki orchestra, and I love it. Just last week I was admitted into the Advanced Tour Group, and I will get to go to Chicago with them in the fall!

Every year on New Year's Day, I make a violin goal for myself. My goal for 2007 is to get to the end of Suzuki Book 7 by the end of the year! Next year I will be able to audition for the Strings Orchestra of the Youth Symphony—I hope that I will be asked to join them!

Last year I received Branch Honors for my CM piece Sarabande. This year, I will play La Folia and Souvenir de Sarasate for CM level 6.

In school I'm studying the ancient world and I love learning about ancient weapons and warfare.

 

Hobbies

Reading, electronics, chess, bicycling. rock climbing, and playing with my dog, Kokanee. I love playing sports, and have been playing soccer and baseball for seven years. My favorite authors are J.K. Rowling and Christopher Paolini (he wrote Eragon and Eldest).

 
 
 


Jasmine Age: 11
Grade: 5th
Instrument: Violin

 

Question of the Month

What are your most creative and successful practice strategies?

Breaking down the hard parts of a piece into smaller units, practicing slowly and carefully with the metronome, practicing in front of the mirror, and exaggerating the dynamics. Sometimes, I record myself playing a piece so that I can play it back and do unit practice on the parts that aren't clear. I also do better when I do a lot of listening to a piece (on a CD). To practice first finger vibrato, I bite my tongue so that I don't tense up. I try to never go without practicing for more than two days in a row, because my fingers forget the music!

 

 

Favorite Songs to Play

Allegro by Fiocco and my favorite composers are Carl Bohm and Antonio Vivaldi.