Suzuki Seniors 2025
Congratulations to our 2025 Suzuki High School Seniors who performed in the Seniors’ Concerts on February 2 and 9. We applaud their extraordinary performances. Read about each student’s musical journey in their essays below and learn more about the impact of our Suzuki community on the lives of young people.
Maia A.
My earliest memories as a child are all surrounding music. I can remember my first class at DeLaSalle, where I would hide because I was scared to participate much in anything. I can remember practicing with my mom and winning M&Ms after every good practice, and I can remember playing games with my buddy and starting to get excited about playing the violin every day. Though I never entirely overcame not wanting to practice, I began to find excitement and joy through music.
Orchestra was my first glimpse into how much fun playing the violin could be. I appreciate every Saturday morning that I went to DeLaSalle for group classes and orchestra, first in DaCapo and slowly progressing to Chamber Orchestra. Without these orchestras and orchestra teachers, I would be sure to have never found as much passion in music as I have today.
Vivace Violins has played a vital role in my musical career as well, and I am so appreciative of Ms. Kamini LaRusso, Ms. Annette Lee, and the rest of the Vivace Violins students I have had the privilege of performing with these last five or more years. The countless incredible opportunities we have been given have been wonderful to partake in, and I appreciate all of the friendships and memories made in that class. The shared experiences like traveling through Germany and Luxembourg, playing at the Chamber of Commerce kick-off event, and playing at Orchestra Hall are things I wouldn’t trade for anything, and I am beyond grateful.
To my private teachers throughout the years, I am so thankful for all of the support and kindness you have shown me as my violin journey progresses. Thank you, Kelly Lehr, for beginning my violin lessons and teaching me all the basics that have allowed me to advance. Thank you, Margaret Haviland, for teaching me with so much kindness and letting me play pieces that I probably should have waited a few more years to learn. I wouldn’t be the violinist I am today without you. And finally, thank you to Ruth Bergman. You have taught me so much and helped me get through the stresses of high school and just about every major violin struggle I have encountered. I appreciate you so much.
To my friends that I have made through Suzuki, thank you for everything. I will forever cherish the memories made together, like taking pictures of pigeons and performing Don’t Stop Believing 80s style at the State Fair. To Audrey, who has been with me since day one, I am incredibly grateful for your friendship since our very first class together, and I couldn’t have done it without you. To my quartet, I’m so glad we were able to perform for two years together. Playing the American has been some of the most fun I have had in any quartet. Finally, thank you to my parents, who started me on my music journey, supported me in all of my ambitions and dreams, and believed in me through the successes and failures that come with music.
The opportunities I’ve had such as going to the American Suzuki Institute each year, performing as a soloist at SAM graduation, attending All State Orchestra for three years, and finally, playing as a soloist with the Chamber Orchestra have given me memories of a lifetime. I am so glad that I was able to grow up learning the violin, and I am excited to continue playing in college where I plan to major in genetics and minor in music. I will take all that I have learned as a Suzuki student with me and I look forward to what music will help me accomplish in the future.
Aarushi B.
I first began my Suzuki journey in an unusual way: not through Suzuki. My parents had enrolled my younger brother in Suzuki piano at the same time I began my own lessons, but after a year or two of traditional piano and poorly sightreading my way through Faber Piano Adventures books, I decided I was through. The music I heard on the Suzuki piano CDs, which played during every car ride, captured my imagination in a way that playing scales undoubtedly did not. I knew I wanted to learn those pieces–the affected and complex ones that rattled around in my head after hearing them day in and day out on the drive to school–instead.
So I switched studios. From third grade through the start of high school, Ms. Diana taught me not only how to play but also how to listen. My relative pitch sharpened, a skill that became invaluable. It gave me the confidence to pick up the violin at school and the foundation I needed to teach myself how to sing.
However, entering high school posed its own set of challenges. With debate, tennis, and theater occupying my evenings, my time was limited, and the demands of daily life intensified. When Ms. Diana retired, stepping away from piano almost felt like the natural next step. For several days I pondered whether or not I should continue with a new teacher or drop it entirely. But then, I remembered my very first recital, on the lawn outside the US Bank Stadium. I had been embarrassed to play from book 2 while my peers were already a book ahead, and my performance on the keyboard was hardly flawless. Yet, after the recital, a passerby approached us, saying how incredible it was to hear children playing music so beautifully. It reminded me why I had started playing in the first place—not for competition or perfection, but because music is simply wonderful.
I next joined the studio of Ms. Greer in Minneapolis. With Ms. Greer, I learned how to elevate a piece, taking time to refine and perfect it. We wouldn’t rush through songs; instead, we would focus on a single piece for months, refining details like articulation, tonality, and rubato. It’s during this time that I discovered why I stuck with piano all of these years–because when all of those pieces came together, I was able to translate technical proficiency into artistry.
I’d be remiss not to acknowledge those who helped me get to this point. I’m deeply grateful to my parents, whose persistence in holding me accountable for practice and driving me to countless lessons kept me connected to the instrument. I also owe so much to my teachers, Ms. Diana and Ms. Greer, for their guidance and support along the way. No matter where life leads me, I know piano will always be there for me.
Henry C.
I started playing cello when I was 4. My parents, who were violinists, wanted me to play an instrument. I don’t really remember if they asked me if I wanted to do play it or not, but suddenly a few months later, I had a cello in my hands and was practicing my first piece for a cello teacher named Brenda. I don’t really remember my first year or so. All I remember is that Brenda would give me gummy bears after my cello practices.
At around 5, I moved to MacPhail and Andrea Glass became my teacher. Just like before, I don’t really remember my first few years. However, one moment I do remember the most is when I was learning Lightly Row, I just couldn’t play it from memory at all, no matter how hard we tried. Eventually, we almost gave up until Andrea told me that she would give me a sucker if I played Lightly Row from memory. Well, I did play it from memory, and very well too. That’s when I kinda realized, and how Andrea realized, just how food motivated I am. Frankly, that helped me tremendously in cello.
For me, cello has been an interesting hobby. I’ve had times when I wouldn’t feel motivated to do it, and sometimes, would even think of stopping. But, the love for the instrument and the adrenaline that I got from it helped me always stick with it. After a while, the basic classical aspect of the cello got pretty boring, and it seemed like I might be burned out for good. Then I learned of Cello Rock, created by Andrea Glass, and I immediately knew – this might be it.
At first, Cello Rock was hard, but as I got into it, I learned just how fun and exciting it could be! The rock music that we played were among some of my favorite songs, songs that I’ve heard for years from mainly my hockey side. Songs like Hotel California, Paranoid, Dream On, and Paradise City. The only thing I hated about it was how early on Saturday mornings it was. I would have to wake up around 8:00 and get there by 9:00. I would usually be half asleep while attempting to keep up with Master of Puppets on the 4th cello part. Not fun. Luckily it was probably the easiest.
These experiences with Cello Rock and as a young cellist helped me grow around the instrument and find a fun and interesting hobby!
Jude H.
The violin has been at my side since I was five years old, and my mom told me I was going to start playing it, like her and her mother. For a long time, I didn’t understand what the point of playing was, and I didn’t find much interest in it. However, over time it has grown to be one of my favorite parts of life.
I have been able to experience interacting with music in many different areas, but I remember when I first knew that I loved it. When traveling to Germany with the Suzuki tour group, I saw the world that music was able to create. Hearing the different ensembles and seeing the effort that those groups put into performing those songs was extraordinary, and I could feel what happens when people come together to make something bigger than themselves.
At the same time, being in Germany with those people allowed me to create many friendships that are very important to me with people from all over Minnesota that I hope never end. I also saw what it is like to be a professional musician, being around the MacPhail staff, meeting professional violinists there.
Since then, I have realized that I feel the most excitement and passion for playing with ensembles and composing music. I play violin in multiple orchestras, a quintet and jazz ensemble, and I play electric guitar and sing in a band. These different areas and styles of creating music have taught me a lot about communication and leadership, as well as what it means to be a musician.
In the future, I plan to never stop being around music, whether it’s playing in an orchestra, going to concerts, or writing my own. The feelings that it provides for me are unlike anything else, and wherever there is music, there will always be people that I have something in common with. The skills that I learned from being part of the Suzuki program like determination, communication, and finding joy in hard work are skills that will never leave me, and skills that I plan to bring wherever I go.
Lexi H.
My musical journey began even before Suzuki piano lessons. As a baby, my parents brought me to Early Childhood Education classes every week, where I loved making egg shakers, doing art, and playing with the parachute. Through these classes, my parents discovered Suzuki piano. Though neither of them played an instrument, my dad loves music and often introduced me to new songs, guiding me to love music from an early age.
At age 4, I began studying piano with Susan Sophocleus, who, along with my dad (my Suzuki parent), has been a constant support throughout my musical journey. Ms. Susan has been the perfect teacher for me—she is the calm to my storm. She always knew how to gently guide me through my struggles and insecurities. Her soft, yet strong guidance has been the best model for perseverance. She continually challenges me to push myself, and I have nothing but appreciation and gratitude for the patience, compassion, and unwavering support she has given me over the past 14 years.
One of the most notable challenges I faced was performance anxiety. At my first recital, I refused to play, and at the second recital, I did the same. At the third recital, my dad had to go on stage with me and stand between me and the audience so that I would play. But things improved from there. After playing at a nursing home during an “out and about” event, performing became more routine. I won’t say that I love performing in front of people, but I can do it, albeit with some trepidation. These experiences (and the help of Ms. Susan and my parents) taught me important life lessons beyond music—such as problem-solving and facing my fears—that have prepared me for the next stages of my life.
Although I loved playing piano in the beginning, the feelings I had for piano shifted through the years. I made steady progress through Book 1 and loved earning a trophy. Book 2 felt long, but Ms. Susan always had new tricks up her sleeve to encourage me and keep me engaged, like pulling out the squinkies at my lessons. By book 3, I felt sufficiently challenged and wanted to quit. Practicing had become a chore, and I especially disliked things like finger exercises and music theory. I didn’t want to learn about dynamics or other “boring” things—I just wanted to play songs as fast as I could because I thought it was cool.
Today, I have a much deeper appreciation for music and the emotions it can convey. Though I may not know all the composers or piece names, I now enjoy slow, expressive pieces that allow me to create something meaningful. Ms. Susan always picked pieces that kept me entertained and engaged, patiently guiding me through all my frustrations. Now, I look forward to our lessons, where we can catch up every week. I’m so grateful for her part in shaping a young and wild Lexi into who I am today, and her lasting patience to still deal with my occasional wild tendencies.
When I was old enough to attend lessons by myself, my feelings surrounding piano shifted. The greater responsibility made me motivated. I felt more mature. I looked more forward to going to piano and found that it was easier to listen to Ms. Susan than my dad. I began practicing more on my own and once I could drive myself to lessons, my phase of disliking piano was completely in the dust. I’d listen to piano music to and from school and practice whenever I could fit it into my schedule (although I’m not sure my parents appreciated me practicing at 9 or 10 pm when I’d get home from Circus). Now, I listen to my piano music for fun or to relax or ground me after a stressful day.
The lessons I’ve learned through Suzuki extend far beyond music. I’ve learned to overcome anxiety, let go of perfectionism, and allow myself to make mistakes. Younger me would be amazed to know that I’m now playing Haydn’s Concerto in D Major with an orchestra and applying for music scholarships for college. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance—mistakes and setbacks are inevitable, but I’ve learned that we can overcome them as long as we keep trying. Life, much like music, can be messy, but it’s about pushing through and continuing the journey.
And don’t tell my parents, but sometimes, they’re right. I’m so thankful they wouldn’t let me quit piano, even when I desperately wanted to. Though I don’t plan on studying music next year in college, piano is a skill and a source of joy that will stay with me throughout my life.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your endless love and support, in both piano and life. And most importantly, thank you Ms. Susan, for your incredible patience and guidance. This journey would never have been possible without your steady support, and your influence has shaped me in ways I will carry with me forever.
Taletta J.
When I was little, I loved singing and making sounds with anything I could find. I used to sing into cups to “make a new instrument.” It was clear that I needed a creative outlet for my noisiness at home. My dad suggested that I play an instrument because of the many lifelong benefits it brings. I was soon funneled into a group piano class. All I remember from my first piano recital was looking at the giant MacPhail stairs, crying, and not performing. Later, I tried Suzuki cello. I had no idea what a cello was at the time, but it sounded cool. I am infinitely grateful I made that choice. Stepping into lessons, I knew immediately that Andrea would be one of the most influential people in my life as a mentor, teacher, and friend. All of my first lessons with her were a family affair: My sister would come into the room to build blocks until she went to her guitar lessons just across the hall. Mom, as my Suzuki parent, went through all the practice and lessons with me. Dad would come after work to meet us for a bowl of mac and cheese at a restaurant after.
Because of the amazing support I received, when it came to my first cello concert, I wanted to get on stage and show off my skills. Though my progress has not been steady, the beautiful sound of the cello has fixed an imprint on each aspect of my life. Through these 13 wonderful years playing cello, I have been blessed with amazing teachers with whom I share happy memories. My favorite cello memories are from the Germany tour at the end of my sophomore year. I made so many lifelong friends and I am thankful for the impact they have had on my life and the fun they bring me.
Cello Rock has also made my life so much more fun! Playing with talented and passionate friends has added to my love of music and confidence, but Hotel California and Stairway to Heaven will be the death of me.
In preparation for this senior recital, I renewed my love for my instrument. I have struggled with being confident and making beautiful sounds while playing. The piece that I chose to perform boosted my engagement with my instrument and romantic music. Though it keeps me humble, I enjoy the drama of Vocalise. I do my best to put heart and sensitivity in as I practice.
As I look back on all of the tears, little successes, and relationships I have made because of Cello, I am filled with fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude. Another special thanks to Andrea and the MacPhail family whose excellence as musicians and people will continue to influence my life for years to come.
Indra K.
My violin is the greatest gift I have been given. This was the case when I was 4 years old and remains true today. When I was 3 years old, I asked for a violin after visiting a “petting zoo” at Orchestra Hall. My parents were very confused and suggested I wait another year. As soon as my 4th birthday rolled around, I was once again begging my parents to let me try the violin. After many “Please!!” and “I promise to practice every day!!” statements, my parents finally gave in and signed me up for a lesson with Ms. Joy at MacPhail.
To my dismay, when I arrived, I was not immediately handed a shiny violin. Still, I had a good time, singing songs, many of which I still remember, and practicing my posture with cardboard instruments. Finally, the day came when I picked up my first real violin. I went to House of Note and met Ingrid who gave me the violin I had been dreaming of and most recently helped me find my full size instrument. Both days, as I carried my new instrument out of the shop, I felt excited about new challenges and possibilities.
With my new itty bitty violin, I began learning by ear. It was a strange feeling for me to place complete trust in my ear. My brain felt disconnected. This was unsettling at first, but it soon became my favorite part of playing. There were no notes or rhythms or key signatures or time signatures to be thinking about. There was just music. Although then, I did not know the names to describe what I was hearing, I felt the ebbs and flows of the music. I could tell when a note sounded wrong, and I knew how to fix it. I love this part of the Suzuki method. The way it builds on natural instincts and continues to teach me to trust myself.
When it came time for my first recital, even though I was nervous, when I got up on stage, my fingers knew just what to do. Even when my thoughts were consumed with worries about messing up or forgetting my song, my ear guided me and allowed me to have a successful concert. To this day, when I get nervous whether it be in a performance or not, I think of experiences like this one and am reminded to trust in myself, my experiences, and my practice.
Throughout middle school and high school, violin remained an integral part of my life. I played in my school’s orchestra, eventually becoming concert master of the Concert Orchestra. At MacPhail, I participated in group classes and orchestra classes, making my way up to Chamber Orchestra. I had the privilege of learning from many incredible and passionate musicians that inspire me in all aspects of my life. I also have made many memories playing alongside my peers who have become some of my closest friends.
My musical journey was made possible by a number of people believing in me. First, I am thankful to my parents for getting me my violin, and taking me to countless classes and rehearsals to chase my passions. Second, Ms. Joy has become, over the years, more than just my teacher. We have become friends and I am thankful for all the wisdom she has shared with me. Not only has she taught me how to play the violin, but each lesson she teaches me to be better both as a musician and a human being.
As I look forward to the next chapter of my life, I can confidently say that I will always look back on my Suzuki experience fondly. It has taught me to trust myself, connect with others, and work hard to reach my goals. I hope to continue playing in college, as I utilize the many other skills I have learned in my daily life. I will trust myself, improvising when things go wrong and adjusting when something doesn’t feel right. I will find my own rhythm, practicing the hard parts until they become easy, and forever cherishing the people around me.
Claudia K.
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” – Plato.
Piano has been an incredible blessing in my life as I have grown through the Suzuki program for about a decade. I have matured in discipline, mental endurance, and strength because of piano and the richness that it has brought into my life. Over the years, I have had three teachers, and they have each been a unique voice in my life, guiding and mentoring me through difficulties and celebrating my achievements. My instrument has taught me how to learn, giving me a set of tools and skills to create beauty, and a way for me to support and serve others.
Playing an instrument has taught me over and over again how to learn, and the power of practice. Seven has been my magic number from my earliest days of piano lessons. When you learn something new, do it seven times. I still use this in my daily practice and beyond when I am memorizing anything, like scripture, speeches, or poetry. Over the years, piano has impressed on me that consistency and repetition yield memory.
I have always been artistic and created art, from crayons and paper to watercolors and embroidery. Piano has given me the tools and ability to recreate music – art in time. Because of this process, I have been able to share music with others at recitals, impromptu home performances, and with my family in my daily practice. Beauty is life giving and restorative to the soul, and I never walk away from practice regretting the time I put into it.
Because of piano, I’ve been able to serve those around me, from playing piano for my youth ministry to performing in a nursing home recital. Excellence is a blessing to those you serve, and through patience, practice, and dedication, I hope to continue in that through my life, in music, my career, and beyond.
Looking back over my memories of piano, from breakthroughs during lessons, to playing games during practice, and outstanding performances, I am grateful for the opportunity it has brought into my life. Understanding yourself and how you learn best is a critical life skill that piano has taught me, and the power of music will follow me the rest of my life. Piano has impacted my mental and spiritual growth, and challenged me to learn more, reach higher, and see my potential.
John K.
To this day I don’t hold my fork correctly. I keep my index finger forward and tuck my thumb underneath the handle. I also stick out my elbow while eating. This is because I learned to hold a bow before anything else. I have been playing the cello since I was four years old, and throughout the course of my upbringing, the cello has always been with me.
I didn’t understand the cello when I was little, or why I had to drive downtown every week to play it. But as I grew up, I began to understand how enjoyable being able to play music is, and how rewarding it is to finally understand a piece of music or play each part correctly. The better I got the more I enjoyed playing. Around Middle School the cello became a part of me. I wanted to learn everything about music and play everything on the cello. I found great joy in playing music and it became a pastime for me to sit down and play.
Thanks to the help of my teacher, Andrea Glass, I became focused on playing through each Suzuki book. My brain soaked in every technique and every note. As tedious as it might have seemed, the work put in always paid off and always helped me grow as a musician. I was happy to gain a unique skill that I could hone and find purpose in. At one point, I was part of three separate orchestras, one being at MacPhail. I also participated in group classes at MacPhail.
But looking back, I still didn’t realize how fortunate I was to be able to go to MacPhail, or how fortunate I was to have the gift of playing music. I couldn’t look back and imagine who I would be without having learned music. I could never have known how much of an impact music would have on me. I could have never imagined not being able to have such a unique skill, a skill I can now carry with me for the rest of my life.
Kaitlyn K.
My love of the harp was first introduced to me through my older sister. I can still remember listening to her play songs such as Valse Isabel during her private lessons. In fact, some of my early memories were established at MacPhail, as I too joined in on my very own lessons.
I began taking these lessons at 10 years old, with Emily Gerard. Early on, she taught me the correct techniques for playing the harp. As a young pre-teen, it was quite daunting seeing all of the strings on this instrument, and the different things I had to do. However, I ultimately found these lessons the most useful, as I was able to excel in my Suzuki pieces. I was also fortunate to take part in group classes at MacPhail. Even though I had a busy schedule; juggling both school and ballet, I truly looked forward to my time going to Minneapolis for my lessons.
But then, COVID hit. It was a difficult time for many musicians, me included. My in-person harp lessons turned into facetime calls instead, making it more difficult to progress. I was able to have one of my harp recitals during this time, but it was only in front of my immediate family.
From 2020, to present time, I have been able to have three harp recitals, play at different venues for benefits and several events. It is not to say that it has all been smooth sailing for me. I’ve struggled with anxiety and procrastination, which has taken a toll on my work ethic. Regardless, I have learned how to adapt and understand that instead of striving to be perfect, I should strive to play my best.
Ultimately, I couldn’t have achieved these accomplishments without my harp teacher; for pushing me to become a better musician, and my family; for their ongoing support. For they have all continued to support me throughout my journey with music.
Zara K.
I’ve always been drawn to music. I believe it started with the children’s CD’s my parents would play for me during road trips. It’s a little silly, but all these years later I still remember some of those songs! At the age of eight, I enrolled in the Suzuki program at MacPhail Academy, a decision that would change my life. If it weren’t for the Suzuki program, I would never have discovered the joy of playing music and sharing it with others.
I remember it took me a while to get going with the piano, especially since I never wanted to practice! I had many arguments with my parents, who had to tune out my whining and supervise me as I grudgingly played through my scales. As I’ve grown, however, I’ve come to realize the importance of practice. Music is like a language; if you never practice, you’ll never become fluent. I also really struggled with performance anxiety, and I would often get so nervous during recitals that I’d forget what I was playing and have to start over again. I recognize now that playing in front of others, although stressful at times, has helped me improve my musicality and poise. Once I let go of my fear, I realized that playing for others can be really fun! One of my favorite memories is playing “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton at the 2024 ensemble festival. It was amazing working with other students to combine all our parts to create a lively and playful harmony!
I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without the support of Susan Sophocleus, who is a truly outstanding teacher and musician. Her patience, expertise, and encouragement have fundamentally impacted me, not only as a student but as a young adult. I will forever be grateful for all that she has given me. I also want to thank my mom and dad, who have supported me for more than a decade through my musical journey, spending countless hours taking me to lessons, group classes, and recitals, and enduring the sounds coming from the living room as I work out new music. I would also like to thank my friends, who have encouraged me to keep playing by being a shoulder to lean on when I needed it.
I’m so glad I’ve gotten the chance to learn the beautiful language of the piano. The skills I’ve learned have helped me to not only become a better musician, but also to be patient, diligent and balanced in other areas of my life. I will forever hold the memories of my time here close to my heart.
Inga K-W.
“Up like a rocket, down like the rain. Back and forth like a choo-choo train. Around and around like the great big sun, land on your nose; curved pinky bent thumb.”
While this may sound like a strange, incoherent assortment of words, this rhyme was the foundation for my learning as a Suzuki student. Learning how to hold my bow was one of many important things I have learned during my 14 years at MacPhail.
Choosing to play the cello was never something that I planned on doing. I appreciated the low register of the bass; and the violin was, simply put, too squeaky. I acknowledged the soulful sound of the viola, but the small size of the instrument was not for me. I finally decided on the cello, ultimately, because of its versatility. Plus, playing an instrument sitting down is a nice added bonus. Looking back on my decision, I am so very happy I decided to choose cello.
I began my cello career when I was 4 years old. I learned the “Ant Song,” all the variations of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” and the German folk-inspired songs of Suzuki Books 1 and 2. After that, I learned how to shift and how to do vibrato to brighten my sound. At this point in my cello career, I was then invited to join Cello Rock. Playing rock music with my friends at 9:00 A.M. was the best, most enriching way someone could ever spend their Saturday mornings. Here, I learned the importance of expressing myself and taking risks. Whether that meant attempting a complicated guitar-style shred line in Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven, or a speedy percussive bass line in Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Cello Rock provided me with the experience of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to expand my Cello Rock family next year and years beyond at my college of choice.
I would like to acknowledge the adults in my life that have helped me progress through my career as a cellist thus far. I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me to practice every day, even when I might have been busy with homework or Nordic skiing practice. I am forever grateful for the many sacrifices they made out of their own lives so they could drive me to Cello Rock, group class, orchestra, and Thursday night lessons. Lastly, I would like to thank my teacher, Andrea Glass. She is basically an honorary Kunze-Williams family member now, given she has been through thick and thin with me. I appreciate her kindness and willingness to answer my thousands of questions during my lesson, and her ability to help me when I might have been frustrated, even when I was learning my Twinkles. My parents and Ms. Andrea have truly helped my talent shoot up like a rocket. Thanks to the support of my family, friends, peers, and teachers, I feel more ready than ever to begin the next chapter of my life, with a curved pinky and a bent thumb.
Manas P.
My violin journey started in elementary school where we were required to choose an instrument to learn to play. After being able to try out a few different instruments, I settled on the violin. I was drawn to the unique sound I was able to create. Soon after, I switched over to the MacPhail program and continued to learn about the beauty of the violin.
Some of my favorite memories of playing the violin were made in taking group classes when I was younger. Although I was unfortunately unable to continue later on, I enjoyed being able to connect with students similar to me. Through the buddy program, I met older students who acted as mentors, helping to guide me. I was able to take what I learned in the Suzuki program and transfer the skills over to different uses. Using what I studied, I learned to play some classic Indian songs, different in style from the types of pieces I was used to playing. I was stepping outside of my comfort zone. When I traveled to India, it was extremely rewarding to see my grandparent’s and relative’s faces light up as they recognized the song I was playing. This only motivated me further to continue discovering the versatility of the violin.
When I started high school, I found myself with much less free time than before. With so many major changes so rapidly, the violin was a constant in my life. It was a source of consistency. There were times throughout the years when I was busy the whole week and had to squeeze in time to practice. Juggling school, extracurriculars, and violin was overwhelming at times, but I was able to learn about time management and responsibility.
Although there were times when difficult rhythms and tricky bowings proved to be frustrating, I was supported by my family and my teachers. I am incredibly grateful to my teacher for the majority of my time in the program, Ruth Bergman, who was incredibly patient with me and encouraged me to display the best version of myself through my music. I was able to gain the confidence to play in front of my peers and family members. I am thankful for the wonderful community of musicians as well, pushing each other for the better. I would also like to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to experience this journey. From driving me to lessons to encouraging me to practice, they made sure I had everything I needed to succeed. While I do not plan on studying music in college, I will look back at my time playing the violin fondly and remember all the lessons I learned along the way.
Henry S.
Claire S.
I’ll be honest: I didn’t enjoy piano much as a child. At four years old, the simple joys of my life were watching Clifford, playing with Barbie dolls, and eating Disney Princess macaroni and cheese. So, after a year of begrudgingly attending piano lessons, I quit and decided to try my hand at the violin. That didn’t last long either—I think I managed one lesson before I threw in the towel. After that short-lived experiment, I returned to piano, and I’ve continued for the past 13 years. So, what changed? What made me stick with something I had once abandoned? The answer is simple: piano helped me escape my head.
Piano, as anyone knows, is a complex art. When pianists perform, they don’t just think about the notes or the rhythm; they also have to consider the key signature, time signature, dynamics, ritardandos, crescendos, and diminuendos—all while coordinating both hands and performing from memory. It’s a lot to consider. And that’s precisely why I stuck with it: because when I was focused on the music, I couldn’t think about anything else.
For those few minutes, whether I was playing a piece by Bach, Brahms, or Muzio Clementi, my thoughts went silent. My anxiety subdued. Everything around me disappeared. It was just me and the piano. For the first time, I felt a sense of peace that I hadn’t found elsewhere. Sure, the pieces I played were mentally demanding, but that was where my motivation lay. Yes, I cried over failed performances in front of fifty-plus people. Yes, I got frustrated when I couldn’t master a difficult rhythm. But in those moments of struggle, piano taught something very important: I’m human. I make mistakes every day. I’m not the well-oiled machine that I expected myself to be. All I can offer is my best—and that is enough.
I want to take a moment to thank those who helped me along the way. To my mother, Stacy, who made me attend lessons even when I felt unprepared or frustrated. To my siblings, Luke and Nina, for going through the quarrels of memorizing long pieces with me. And most of all, to my piano teacher, Mrs. Greer, whose guidance and encouragement gave me the skills to master and perform a concertino, my final piece. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you for being part of my journey.
Lennon W.
To me, music has always been about connection.
When I first started learning music, I loved everything there was to love about piano. I loved the songs, I loved the process, but most of all I loved my teacher. I loved going to lessons because going to lessons meant I could see Nancy Daley and we could talk about cats and write stories and make music. As I grew up, this became a theme – no matter how I felt about practicing, or performing, or piano as a whole, I always loved my lessons. I always loved my teachers.
As I grew, so did my music. I began to perfect my pieces more and more, creating worlds and characters and plots and stories and lives that took place in the lines between the notes. Stories that I would share and I polished my pieces, figuring out the exact push and pull needed to get the effect I wanted. I learned to manipulate the piano to tell the story I wanted, and I learned to share my stories with the world.
Slowly, I began to branch out more. One day, I listened to Nancy play the Simpsons’ theme before my lesson and decided then and there that I would learn how to play it. More than that, I decided I would follow where the music took me rather than simply staying in the lines of the Suzuki repertoire. I got books of pop music, Taylor Swift songs, and the entire Beatles catalog that I would learn in my free time, sharing them with Nancy as they progressed.
As many things do, everything shifted with time. After COVID, Nancy retired from teaching and began to learn accordion and work with the piano on her own. While I would never say it was easy for me to change teachers, I can confidently say that the teacher I had next was the best teacher I could’ve asked for. Susan Munson began working with me, and she helped me to reinvent my relationship with music. With her guidance, I joined my school’s jazz band and discovered the joys of playing music with other people, of connecting and creating stories with them.
My time in jazz has been some of the best moments I remember with music. It taught me to stretch my music beyond the limitations of the page, to appreciate and understand the hours spent learning scales with Nancy, and to play music with the intention to collaborate and not just work together. There is a magic that jazz taught me to add to my music, and I will forever be grateful for it teaching me to love music in a way I hadn’t before.
In many respects, my love for jazz was built by Pete Whitman and Sophia Butler, who invited me, a classical pianist of ten years (at the time) to play with the advanced jazz band and trusted me to learn and grow. They taught me the jazziest way to do things, how to transfer all my classical knowledge to jazz, and helped me learn a language I’d known my whole life yet was somehow still upside down and backwards when I sat at the keys. The community I found in jazz will always mean something special to me, from the late nights at the Hook and Ladder to rehearsals at 7:20 in the morning to touring Chicago and St. Louis in April.
It was because of jazz that I found myself staying after school for hours learning the score of Footloose. It may seem strange that a classical musician has found themselves all the way in musical theatre, but when you’ve spent most of your time in music searching for the connection between the performer and the audience, it seems like a natural place to land.
In the end, what I will value most out of all of my time in music is the people I met. My teachers, friends, and fellow musicians, even people who just heard me play in passing, on the street, or in one concert. Anyone who has been touched by music has formed a connection with it, and I will always be grateful for those connections and people that I have found as a result of the keys on a piano.
Ruby W.
When I was three years old, my parents read to me a list of instruments I could pick from and begin learning. When they said I could play the “cello”, the word really stuck with me. I had no real idea of what a cello was or sounded like, but it sounded a lot like the word “jello”, so I decided that it was the best option.
I began “jello” lessons with Andrea Glass a few weeks later and have been fortunate enough to have been in her studio throughout my entire cello career. Ms. Glass always jokes with me about how I used to be so shy and would barely speak for the first few years of cello lessons and that my mother would always scold me in German for not talking enough. Ms. Glass’s and my relationship could not be more different today as whenever we are not playing the cello, we have wonderful conversations. She has been a pivotal part of my growth not only as a cellist but as a person. I am so grateful for all Andrea Glass has taught me throughout the years.
I have played in a variety of ensembles and orchestras through MacPhail and Breck School which have been a great way to play different kinds of non-Suzuki music, ranging from classical, to rock and to jazz. The early Saturday morning MacPhail rehearsals instilled in me the importance of dedication. Through the Breck orchestras, I have absorbed the value of timeliness and the lesson that “good practice makes perfect”.
One of the most meaningful things I have done with my cello has been using it to make an impact on people in my community by playing in nursing homes, a local hospital, and for my grandparents. In these moments, I have been able to see the incredible power music has to heal and connect people.
I would like to thank all of my dedicated, passionate, and extremely talented music teachers who have helped me along my cello journey. They have instilled in me the importance of hard work and determination, and they have taught me to appreciate all types of music. Finally, I would like to give a big thank you to my parents for giving me the incredible opportunity to study music and for always supporting me. The cello has been one of the biggest constants in my life and I am eternally grateful for the impact it has had on who I am today.