by Rebekah Wheeler
When I moved halfway across the country, I figured I’d be leaving violin behind, since my new high school didn’t offer an orchestra program; and when I was rejected from a youth symphony, I almost decided that violin wasn’t something to pursue in life. However, my mom pushed me and my little sister, Katherine, to try private lessons at the Franklin Suzuki Academy. As nerve-racking as first impressions were, I ended up feeling at ease and comfortable with my new teacher: Mrs. Andra Prewett.
We had to start from the basics, as if it were the first time we’d ever picked up a violin. It was frustrating at times; learning that you’ve been holding onto bad habits for years and trying to unlearn them, then learn the proper way to hold the violin, or how to hold the bow. The real struggle was all the attention if I’m honest. In an orchestra of 30+ students there isn’t a lot of time for individual focus, only the group as a whole. So, I had been playing the violin under the mindset of: “if it sounds good enough to not get yelled at, then it’s good enough.” Yeah, not the best. It made me a self-conscious violinist, only wanting to blend into the group rather than stand out. By being given all this help and focus, I feel like I can play more confidently and I’m learning at my pace, not the pace of a large group.
Playing with the Franklin Suzuki Academy has helped me greatly as a violin player and I can see that it is great at helping those younger than me onto the path of a great violinist. I am so thankful to be taught here and be able to learn and grow so much in these couple months!
Rebekah Wheeler is a 16-year-old violinist. She has been a student at FSA since January.
