Michele A.

Graduated Rockwall High School, Rockwall Texas Attended Eastfield College Music School, 1976-1978 Graduated The Way College of Indiana, Associate of Theology, Liturgical Music Currently working on a Bachelors of Education

Began violin lessons age 8 with Wanda Theriac Cont. Violin with Haruka Watanabe, 1st violin section, St. Louis Symphony When my family moved to Texas I studied first with Willa Deane Howell, Symphonic musician and member of the Santa Fe Opera. In college I studied with William Scobie, Dallas Symphony. When I have a particularly difficult piece these days, or want solid feedback, I schedule a lesson with Ming Gao, Associate concertmaster, Naples Symphony.

While in school I joined the St. Louis Youth Symphony and learned a great deal there. In high school I played background strings on some local commercial recordings. Played a season in the 2nd violin section of the Dallas opera before leaving for college. In college I played with the Way Orchestra, a group made up of students who already had orchestral careers in Europe, Japan and other parts of the world. We played in several cities around the country for productions and services. Played for a summer with a CW band called Branded and performed with them at the Grand 'Ol Opry. Unfortunately, after this I was In a car wreck that left me unable to pursue my career for about ten years. Since then, however, I was slowly able to practicing again, joined the Naples orchestra and have taught several children and adults how to play the violin. These days I primarily perform for weddings and and on the occasions where some 'country sawing' is required. I also recently cut a track for Christopher Moll (Florida composer) for his CD, Lover's Key.

My college instructor, William Scobie, gave me an extremely precise way of learning the 'nuts and bolts' of violin playing, which I have been happy to pass on since I first began teaching beginners in college. I've had over 60 private students, not a huge number, but I never treat students like an assembly line. Some I've met working through local music stores, but a number by word of mouth. I've had a few who came with an express desire to turn their lessons into a career, but many have also come because they wished to join the Youth Orchestra to 'beef up' their college resume'. But whatever the reason, music is an asset. Among my current students I have three who have autism. When we started none of them could remember what notes were on the page in front of them, or they wanted to play the piece 'their way.' Each of those particular students have been with me about 2 years now and their ability to focus, their understanding and self-control have all advanced incredibly, because, yes, learning an instrument will do that for you! However, I also love adult students. The folks who always wanted to learn an instrument, but never had time. It's great to see them enjoy their dream!