Music can be all things to all persons. It is like a great dynamic sun in the center of a solar system
which sends out its rays and inspiration in every direction.... Music makes us feel that the heavens
open and a divine voice calls. Something in our souls responds and understands. - Leopold Stokowski
I think each one of my violin students studies the violin for a different reason. I have always believed in teaching to the individual needs.
This picture is our year 2002 Spring Recital. The violinists performance was excellent. I was very proud of them and feel very fortunate to
have the oportunity to share in their musical education.
Kahlil Gibran states in his book The Prophet -No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.
If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind. I hope to help my violin students find their own musical talent by teaching them the skills needed to play the violin and create music.
Being one of Sheila's VIOLIN students is a busy life.
We try to get to our violin lessons on time..........
We perform at recitals..........
The students share their music at "gigs"..........
The students share their music at Christmas..........
*Thanks for the Memories* - from a parent
As she appeared from behind the curtain met with audience applause,
I remembered the young child eager to play Twinkle at her very first lesson.
The face now older wore the same smile.
As she bowed wearing her long velvet skirt, the carefully chosen white blouse,
and shoes that had to be just right,
I remembered the frilly bows and ruffles of dresses from past recitals.
As she turned and stepped gently onto the conductors platform, I remembered
a frightened little girl who was shorter, thinner, and very sick.
I saw a confident young lady who has learned to accept the (unfairness) of life.
As she played her (A) for the string section, I remembered wondering if a child
unable to sing in tune would be able to play a violin. The notes of that beginner student
have transformed into beautiful music.
As she sat down in that coveted first seat, I remembered all the hard work
preparing for numerous auditions. I particularly remembered the
excitment of a freshman honored to be chosen concertmaster.
Success is sweet, but not without hard work and the dedication of a special teacher and friend. Thanks for the memories................
Sarah waited in the green room before her appearance on stage. The 2001 concerto competiton winner of the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra was one of my own. She began her violin studies with me at age7.
The Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in e minor is one of my favorite concertos. Months of preparation went into the audition and performance. Just learning the notes and dynamics was not enough. The solo needed to express something. It was to be Sarah's interpretation of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (with a few suggestions by her teachers).
Memorization and metronome work, hours of octave practice.
Sarah walked on stage. At only age 16 she played the Mendelssohn flawlessly and present a beautiful program. The audience rose to their feet with clapping...and I as the teacher was brought to tears.
Sarah J. was a tiny tot of 5 years when she began her violin studies with Sheila.
She played Minuet II in Book I Suzuki at her first recital.
She was a Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto winner two years. One was on piano the other was with the Dvorak Romance on violin.
She studied at Baldwin Wallace College and Longy School of Music where she aquired a bachelors and masters in violin performance.
*I will always remember*
Susan Janet Shin (Susie) born: March 3, 1985 died:September 8, 2004
Graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy
The students work hard learning their violin lessons..........
We also do fiddle music & a fiddle contests..........
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As she appeared from behind the curtain met with audience applause,
I remembered the young child eager to play Twinkle at her very first lesson.
The face now older wore the same smile.
As she bowed wearing her long velvet skirt, the carefully chosen white blouse,
and shoes that had to be just right,
I remembered the frilly bows and ruffles of dresses from past recitals.
Sarah waited in the green room before her appearance on stage. The 2001 concerto competiton winner of the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra was one of my own. She began her violin studies with me at age7.
