Returning to the Performance World - Random Update

August 12, 2011 at 6:06 PM

Well, I graduated over a year ago with a Master's degree in Violin Performance. It's taken this long for me to love my instrument again. Honestly, the rigors of school do not agree with my performance modality at all. I've barely practiced except to warm up and teach. I've even taken a quasi hiatus from most things musical, including this wonderful forum on V.com. But I'm back now, and I'm looking forward to getting back to work for me.

First, I've moved to California. I've got a new bow, valued at $4,000. The most expensive and by far the nicest bow I've ever owned. My goal is to be a private teacher, youth orchestra coach, and a major symphony player. 2 down, 1 to go. I've already built a successful studio of approximately 25 students, and I'm a coach for the Community Youth Orchestra of Southern California, thanks to its director and V.com member, Gene Wie.

My audition confidence is nil, so preparing for a major audition is going to take a lot of work. I've emailed the Los Angeles Philharmonic, requesting audition information for inquiring violinists, despite the fact that there are no seats currently available. Not surprising, given the magnitude of the orchestra, but I'd still like to prepare for the day that there are. I've emailed the Orange County Symphony over 20 times with no response, and I also sent an email to the Pacific Symphony the other day. I heard back from the LA Phil, saying that my request had been heard, was being transferred to the appropriate department, and I should hear from someone shortly. That was a couple days ago, but I'm not worried.

I ordered the first book of common orchestra audition excerpts, and I'll learn them all, then get the 2nd book, and then the 3rd. I'm working on the Sibelius VC, and some unaccompanied Bach. I'm going to start the Vitali Ciaccona, a piece I was disinterested to play before, but now I'm reconsidering.

I ordered a Gotz E fine tuner. My Hill tuner is warped or something, it's not operating very smoothly anymore, and the typical fixes aren't working. I'm playing with strings. I have Dominants with a Jargar E (regular, not the forte) and though I like the Dominants, I'm not sold on the Jargar and the Dominants die quickly. I also need a different chin rest again. The Teka I have is too slanted. I need something flatter, but still side-mounted with a dip in the side.

From Mattias Eklund
Posted on August 13, 2011 at 5:58 AM

I hope it goes well for you, good luck!

From Charles Bott
Posted on August 14, 2011 at 4:20 AM

Tasha I wish you all the best in your re-confirmation in the music business. I noticed in your post that you are in need of a new chin rest. May I suggest one that my friend Ayke Agus suggested for me that has been developed by Boris Sverdlik. I live in Dana Point and would be happy to send you a brochure that Boris gave me when I purchased this chin rest last year. It might meet your needs. I met with him in Laguna Beach last year along with my teacher Andrey Antonenko who just completed his masters program at UCI in violin performance. I became acquainted with Andrey, indirectly through Bill Fitzpatrick. Anyway its an interesting story. I am aware of your contribution to grey hounds, and I find that so laudable. Keep up the good work. If you are interested just let me know. Best of luck!! Charles Bott

From Tasha Miner
Posted on August 14, 2011 at 5:39 PM

Charles: Yes, I am very interested! Can you send me a picture of your chinrest on your violin?

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Returning to the Performance World - Random Update

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