Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Isabel Sorebo
F E A T U R E
Interview with Isabel Sorebo
When did you begin violin lessons?
I began violin lessons at 4 years old following in my older sister’s footsteps!
Did you (or do you) play any other instruments?
Yes! As part of my Music Education degree, I had to learn and be able to teach almost all band and orchestra instruments! As this is a HUGE undertaking, I learned the instruments through various techniques classes which were separated into woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, guitar, piano, and vocal studies. Outside of these classes, I played viola for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra and the Titan String Trio, and joined a Steel Drum Ensemble where I played tenor and cello steel drums, drumset, and auxiliary instruments! A few of my favorite instruments that I continued private lessons in for an additional semester included piano, bassoon, cello, and percussion (snare drum, marimba, and timpani).
I currently play and teach violin, viola, and piano for Note-Worthy Experiences.
What was your most memorable musical performance?
My most memorable performance was playing the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra. I performed the challenging solo part while the orchestra accompanied me. This opportunity was awarded to me after I won the 2020 UWO Concerto Competition. I remember being anxious but very excited to share one of my favorite violin pieces with the community!
Who are some of your most inspiring teachers?
I am grateful to the countless mentors I have studied and worked with; their passion and love for music influenced my decision to pursue music professionally!
I owe immense gratitude to my first violin teacher, Dr. Yuliya Smead, who I studied with for 19 years (age 4 to 23)! She pushed me to pursue music in high school, college, and graduate studies, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her!
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
As a young child, I practiced in small increments of 10-15 minutes per day. As I advanced in my violin studies, minutes grew into hours. When I began my third year of college, I was forced to reflect upon my practice habits due to the sudden tendonitis in my left wrist. With my injury, I had to be efficient with my practice time because I couldn’t play for as long as I used to. I noticed that I was spending too much or too little time on certain techniques and repertoire. With lots of patience, determination, and planning, I was able to heal from my injury and perform a solo recital at the end of the year consisting of 60 minutes of music!
In my current routine, I am playing violin for several hours per day (independently and in ensembles) and use preventative measures such as stretching, drinking lots of water, and beginning with a slow warm up.
What do you like most about teaching?
Teaching musicians always brings a smile to my face! Although the process of learning an instrument can be slow and challenging at times, the journey is my favorite part. I love to celebrate small victories and help students gain confidence in their abilities. My goal as a teacher is to instill a love for music in each student and help them realize their fullest potential!
When you’re not performing or teaching, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
As a current graduate student, most of my day revolves around music, but when I take a break from the practice room, I will be swimming, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and FaceTiming my cats back home in Wisconsin!
Learn more about our Piano, Violin, and Viola teacher, Isabel Sorebo, in her Teacher Page.
I began violin lessons at 4 years old following in my older sister’s footsteps!
Did you (or do you) play any other instruments?
Yes! As part of my Music Education degree, I had to learn and be able to teach almost all band and orchestra instruments! As this is a HUGE undertaking, I learned the instruments through various techniques classes which were separated into woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, guitar, piano, and vocal studies. Outside of these classes, I played viola for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra and the Titan String Trio, and joined a Steel Drum Ensemble where I played tenor and cello steel drums, drumset, and auxiliary instruments! A few of my favorite instruments that I continued private lessons in for an additional semester included piano, bassoon, cello, and percussion (snare drum, marimba, and timpani).
I currently play and teach violin, viola, and piano for Note-Worthy Experiences.
What was your most memorable musical performance?
My most memorable performance was playing the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra. I performed the challenging solo part while the orchestra accompanied me. This opportunity was awarded to me after I won the 2020 UWO Concerto Competition. I remember being anxious but very excited to share one of my favorite violin pieces with the community!
Who are some of your most inspiring teachers?
I am grateful to the countless mentors I have studied and worked with; their passion and love for music influenced my decision to pursue music professionally!
I owe immense gratitude to my first violin teacher, Dr. Yuliya Smead, who I studied with for 19 years (age 4 to 23)! She pushed me to pursue music in high school, college, and graduate studies, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her!
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
As a young child, I practiced in small increments of 10-15 minutes per day. As I advanced in my violin studies, minutes grew into hours. When I began my third year of college, I was forced to reflect upon my practice habits due to the sudden tendonitis in my left wrist. With my injury, I had to be efficient with my practice time because I couldn’t play for as long as I used to. I noticed that I was spending too much or too little time on certain techniques and repertoire. With lots of patience, determination, and planning, I was able to heal from my injury and perform a solo recital at the end of the year consisting of 60 minutes of music!
In my current routine, I am playing violin for several hours per day (independently and in ensembles) and use preventative measures such as stretching, drinking lots of water, and beginning with a slow warm up.
What do you like most about teaching?
Teaching musicians always brings a smile to my face! Although the process of learning an instrument can be slow and challenging at times, the journey is my favorite part. I love to celebrate small victories and help students gain confidence in their abilities. My goal as a teacher is to instill a love for music in each student and help them realize their fullest potential!
When you’re not performing or teaching, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
As a current graduate student, most of my day revolves around music, but when I take a break from the practice room, I will be swimming, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and FaceTiming my cats back home in Wisconsin!
Learn more about our Piano, Violin, and Viola teacher, Isabel Sorebo, in her Teacher Page.
