Celebrate Classical Music: Bronwyn Edwards

August 8, 2012 at 7:53 AM

Forty Years ago I passed an aural test at my new high school in Adelaide, South Australia. I was asked which instrument I would like to play, I replied that 'the violin looks good', little did I know that it would become my passion in life.
I devoured everything my teacher set. I loved all the technical work, Sevcik, Schradieck, Kreutzer, concertos, sonatas everything! The faster the better! I went through University full steam ahead performing then discovered a new love which I began in 1978, teaching the violin.
I have taught the violin for 34 years now and love it! I am still amazed at so many new and old techniques I read about and am always on the lookout for different ways of teaching technical skills. I study up on technique and am always refreshing my knowledge base. I love presenting the violin in the Classical tradition and also surprising the students with the new wave of classical mixed with rock and pop music.
I recently asked my students had they heard the Fifth Symphony by Beethoven, they all looked blank until I played the traditional version to them on IPad which they recognised immediately. Then I played them David Garrett's version from his CD Rock Symphonies and they were gobsmacked as they hadn't heard anything like it before. Youtube is a blessing because a lot can be learnt by watching how other people explain techniques, old and new, I use it as a teaching tool and it inspires students to have a go at different things, and exposes them to the classics, which are not heard on their media.
I love my violin teaching and performing, it fills my life. I have a gorgeous French instrument which does have a name, 'Jerome' after its maker.

From Sam Rubin
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 9:24 PM

You sound like a great teacher!

From Cara Krzyzanowski
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 10:17 PM

I find your approach to introducting students to the classics very appealing. I have read that David Garrett also has the same dream: To introduce young people to the classics, while using the rock crossover technique for his performances. I started playing at the age of 10, and for a very long time I had no interest in playing, until just a couple of months ago when I discovered David Garrett. I've listened to artists such as Perlman, Midori and Joshua Bell, even some other crossover artists like a female string group named BOND, as well as Vanessa Mae, but none of them have awakened my heart the way David Garrett has.

I enjoyed reading your blog.

Best to you.

Music forever! :)

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Celebrate Classical Music: Bronwyn Edwards

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