The Bach Double, my teacher and the Mesquite Orchestra

Tonight my family and I went to see my teacher, Alicja Usarek and her husband, Matson Topper perform the Bach Double Concerto for 2 violins with the Mesquite Orchestra at Brookhaven College.  The performance was exquisite. 

In Arnold Steinhardt's Dreams

I just finished Arnold Steinhardt's autobiography, "Violin Dreams".  I once saw a picture of him ca. 1960 in "They Way They Play" and had an instant crush.  60s sweatshirt, jeans and keds, slouched in a chair holding his violin and casually talking to Casals of all people.

Professor Steinhardt is one thing for sure -- a class act.  His book is written almost as well as he plays Bach's Chaconne.

Here are some fun quotes from the book:

"Old songs are more than tunes, they are little houses in which our hearts once lived."  ~Ben Hecht


"I love in the woods, until I was slain by the relentless axe.  Whilst I was alive I was silent, b ut in death my melody is exquisite."  Who or what am I?

I especially enjoyed the anecdote of his first violin teacher Mr. Carl Moldrem helping him sort out note rhythms with words:
a quarter note = "pear"
two eighth notes = "ap-ple"
four eighth notes = "wa-ter-mel-on"
a set of triplets = "pine-ap-ple"

But what is the best reason to read the book? To learn and gain a love of Bach and his Partitas in D Minor -- especially the Chaconne which comes with the book on CD.  I'm listening to it now... 15 minutes of straight playing!

If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it.
                                                                                                                         ~Vladimir Horowitz

Roses for a Rose

I love each one of my students -- I truly do.  I learn so much from each one of them.  Hugs, notes and smiles just keep me going.  Today one of my newest (and brightest) brought me some roses -- it has completely brightened up my studio and my whole week!  Thank you!!  I love you all. 

...and does this mean you like me?  You really, really like me? ;)

My very own studio

I took some time off to visit with family this summer and when I returned home, my husband had created a studio for me out of our family room. Thanks David it looks great!

 

(a nice sign from my daughter)

 

Summer Recital

Last night was our summer recital at my neighborhood pool.  I sent my daughter outside with the camera and she was too shy to get the different groups of guests to pose for pictures. 

The highlight was the violin cake (and all the sweets and treats) -- thank goodness I got a picture of that! 

Good job everyone! 

Collin Strings Spring Ensemble Recital

Spring Recital 2011

We had our Spring Recital on April 17.  Everyone did great!  I was pleased there was ALMOST seating for everyone and certainly plenty of goodies.  I have the best students and parents of students. ever. 

Everlasting Prelude to a wedding...

Last Saturday night, I was asked to play some prelude music for a wedding until the bride came down the isle.  The bride was an hour late. 

As we began playing 30 minutes prior to the service, we played continuously for 90 minutes.  After about 90 minutes, I asked the pianist to go ahead a play one without me, but not before some friends threw a cash tip in my open case nearby.  Fun night!