Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Jessica Appolinario
F E A T U R E
Interview with Jessica Appolinario
How old were you when you first started taking music lessons and how did you choose your instruments? I started being in contact with music when I was 3 years old, when I took recorder classes and music initiation classes. Then when I was 4 years old my mom enrolled me in piano lessons, and that was so much fun! Learning piano helped me express myself and be curious about new things. When I was about 8 years old my parents took me to see a symphony orchestra concert for the first time, and I heard a piece called Ein Heldenleben by composer Richard Strauss. That was such an incredible experience. I remember noticing one instrument in particular.. The French- Horn! After I left that concert, all I could talk about was how much I wanted to learn more about that instrument. I loved everything about music as a child and turns out, now music is my life!
What do you like most about teaching young musicians? I love teaching music. Especially children! I love seeing their faces when they realize they can do and accomplish amazing things. I love their curiosity and love watching them fall in love with music and their instruments. It’s like I’m introducing them to this new secret magical world! Music is a very healthy way of expressing your emotions and finding out new things about yourself. Introducing music to children early on is providing them with one more tool in life that they can carry with them for the rest of their life.
What was your most memorable music performance? My most memorable performance happened at my last concert as a senior in college. I played a piece of music I had always dreamt of playing. Tchaikovsky’s 5th symphony. The second movement starts with this beautiful horn solo, and to this day it is my favorite piece of music in the world. When I found out I was going to be able to play the solo it was like a dream come true, and the fact that it was going to happen at my last concert in college, it became even more meaningful. Truly a very special experience!
What is your best advice to students who want to improve their playing? Music is supposed to be fun. That’s the most important thing! The advice I give parents/students is the same advice I follow myself. When you seem to have hit a roadblock, it’s always best to take a break, go do something else (like go outside, or eat something delicious) and then come back to it after clearing your mind. We have the power to do anything, especially kids - they are like super-humans! Everything is possible, you just have to have fun with it!
Aside from teaching, performing, and taking auditions, what do you enjoy doing outside of music? My favorite hobby is going for a run while listening to music! I also love reading, writing and going to the beach!
Learn more about Jessica on her Teacher Page.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians? I love teaching music. Especially children! I love seeing their faces when they realize they can do and accomplish amazing things. I love their curiosity and love watching them fall in love with music and their instruments. It’s like I’m introducing them to this new secret magical world! Music is a very healthy way of expressing your emotions and finding out new things about yourself. Introducing music to children early on is providing them with one more tool in life that they can carry with them for the rest of their life.
What was your most memorable music performance? My most memorable performance happened at my last concert as a senior in college. I played a piece of music I had always dreamt of playing. Tchaikovsky’s 5th symphony. The second movement starts with this beautiful horn solo, and to this day it is my favorite piece of music in the world. When I found out I was going to be able to play the solo it was like a dream come true, and the fact that it was going to happen at my last concert in college, it became even more meaningful. Truly a very special experience!
What is your best advice to students who want to improve their playing? Music is supposed to be fun. That’s the most important thing! The advice I give parents/students is the same advice I follow myself. When you seem to have hit a roadblock, it’s always best to take a break, go do something else (like go outside, or eat something delicious) and then come back to it after clearing your mind. We have the power to do anything, especially kids - they are like super-humans! Everything is possible, you just have to have fun with it!
Aside from teaching, performing, and taking auditions, what do you enjoy doing outside of music? My favorite hobby is going for a run while listening to music! I also love reading, writing and going to the beach!
Learn more about Jessica on her Teacher Page.
