Marjie Shemanski teaches Ready, Set, Play!, Music & Yoga, and violin group classes at Silver Music. Here is a little insight into her early study:

Age you began studying: I started piano lessons when I was 5 or 6, trumpet a few years after that, and had my first violin lesson when I was 10 years old.

Why did you choose the violin? My Grandma grew up in Jerusalem, and learned to play the violin when she was in school there. My parents had her old violin from that time, and I used to always look at it in awe and wonder if I could play it someday too.

One memory from your lessons or early study: When I was first learning Minuet 2, my teacher did not let me move to the next piece for 6 months! At the time it was frustrating! Looking back on it later, I realized it was one of the first big challenges for me as a musician where I really started to develop patience and discipline.

Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice? I did not always like to practice! Practice charts really motivated me. Sometimes there would be a goal, but other times just finishing the pattern was enough of a reward. My friends and I would have practice challenges too, that really helped motivate me!

Did you ever want to quit? Yes! When I was 12, I had played the violin for two years, and was ready to move on to something else – something easier! By practicing with me consistently, my dad helped me stick with it. My music friends and group class community also encouraged me to keep at it even when it was hard.

How did music education affect your life? Music education has taught me so many things! It’s taught me to listen deeply, which helps me every day as I listen to others, to the world around me, and to myself. It’s helped me learn that with patience, practice and the help of a supportive community, I can accomplish almost anything!

Current Favorite Suzuki Piece: Chorus from Judas Maccabaeus. I love the clear, smooth tones of this piece, and how closely it relates to Tonalization!

What else do you enjoy doing besides playing violin? I love cooking big dinners with seasonal foods from the farmers’ market, listening to and playing music with friends, practicing yoga, and reading about the lives of artists and musicians.

Sarah Bish teaches Suzuki cello group class and private cello lessons at Silver Music. Here is a bit of insight into her early study:

Age you began studying: 5 years old 

Why did you choose the cello? My mother is a violin teacher so at first I started playing the violin when I was 3/4 but I have never been a fan of the E string, so I told her that I wanted to play the “jello.” Probably because of the amazing C string and warm sound. The rest is history!

One memory from your lessons or early study:
Even in my 30 minute lessons, my teacher, Marianne Wion, would give me a break and I always got a piece of chocolate. She was from Switzerland so it was really good chocolate. 

Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice? I think that “liking” practicing and feeling successful in a practice session are two different things. There are (and definitely were) days that I don’t want to practice, but I knew that even a short amount of efficient and focused practicing makes a big difference in my cello playing. When I was younger I had sticker charts and getting jelly beans for good practicing. I still use rewards today for myself and my students, although now I prefer Skittles to jelly beans… 

Did you ever want to quit?
No, definitely not. There are some days when you realize that what we are doing is really hard and sometimes it would be easier not to play, but whenever I have to go a few days without playing, I miss it. That makes me remember that I could never not play the cello. 

How did music education affect your life?
I have had teachers (cello teachers, chamber music coaches, other role models) who showed me that being a musician is so rewarding. I am a very goal-oriented person so working on a piece satisfies my want to learn and improve my technique, and then polishing it and finding the beauty satisfies the artistic side of my personality.

Do you have a musical role model?
All of my cello teachers- Madeleine Golz, Merry Peckham, Astrid Schween, and Jonathan Spitz. As a female cellist, Jacqueline Du Pré is the ultimate inspiration!

Current Favorite Suzuki Piece:
It’s hard to pick! I love The Two Grenadiers, Danse Rustique, and French Folk Song.

Any advice for budding string-players?:
Try to have fun when things get tough! I know practicing can feel like a chore, but when you realize how much you are improving, that is the best feeling in the world. 

What else do you enjoy doing besides playing cello?
I love baking! I am not that great at it, but my fiancé doesn’t seem to complain. I also love to watch nature documentaries and doing puzzles to relax.