What age did you start playing music?
I started violin lessons when I was six years old. My dad used to fiddle a lot, and my early memories with the instrument are playing duets with him.
When did you know that you wanted to pursue music professionally?
Attending boarding school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts high school program was a big step in my musical journey. After being surrounded by other young artists for four years, I knew I wanted to keep going with music.
What advice would you give to young musicians who are starting the audition process?
Start taking as many auditions as you can. Like anything, playing auditions is a skill set that will improve with practice. And take a break from excerpts once in a while to play some music just for fun.
What concert are you most looking forward to this season and why?
I’m really looking forward to the Mahler’s third concert- I’m excited for the challenge of learning this massive symphony!
What do you love about the violin in general and your instrument in particular?
I love what the violin represents to me- growth. No matter what’s going on in my life, I can always pick up my violin, do some practice, and get a little bit better. I love my particular instrument’s story. It is a Parisian violin made in 1920, and belonged to my childhood violin teacher’s teacher. I had visited Paris right before I found the instrument, and was also working on some French repertoire at the time. I love wondering about all the history the violin has lived through, and where in the world it has travelled.
What do you love about Tucson?
I am still getting to know Tucson, but love seeing the vibrant murals from local artists and of course, the stunning mountain scenery.
