"Everyone should learn to play an instrument at least once in their lives," my fifth-grade teacher once said. Those words echoed in my mind until it was time to pick an elective in sixth grade.
I remember it vividly: my mom and I were sitting in the car, deciding on my last elective. I mentioned my teacher's advice about learning an instrument, and my mom, nonchalantly, suggested, "Why not try the violin?" As a kid, I thought, "Sure!"
I didn't think much of it at the time. Growing up, I was more into Nickelback and Imagine Dragons than classical music. Little did I know that over the years, I would fall in love with something that I would dedicate my whole life to.
This just goes to show that you'll never know if you like something unless you give it a good shot.
I remember staying hours after school in middle school because my brother had football practice. I would sneak in the practice rooms, trying to get through the Violin Suzuki books. It was fascinating! I learned how the little ants on the page translated into beautiful melodies on my violin, and eventually, into masterpieces.
The best part was being surrounded by people who enjoyed this process too. I would poke my head into other practice rooms, smiling at musicians playing beautiful pieces, and sometimes, I even got invited to play with them. We played everything from "Pirates of the Caribbean" to Beethoven's symphonies.
Eventually, my curiosity caught the attention of the director. I played not only with my classmates but also with students from various orchestras. From helping beginners to playing in advanced groups, I was deeply involved. Music became one of the most beautiful experiences in my life. I have lived in three different countries, but there's no place like a music group, where creativity, diversity, and connection thrive.
In music, no matter your race, ethnicity, age, or religion, if you love music and can play, you belong. There's a feeling of understanding that only music can provide.
By eighth grade, I wanted more and more music. I wanted to learn more to be expressive and to teach others. I wanted to help my conductors more. When I got to high school, my dedication was evident. After a semester of observation, I was one of only three freshmen allowed to join the varsity orchestra. Although I was at the back, I was amazed to be surrounded by such expressive and dedicated people.
Inspired by the high school students who taught me, I decided to teach during my junior and senior years. I learned that no matter how tiring my week had been, each lesson was an opportunity to brighten a kid's day and show them the beauty of creating music. Teaching required dedication, patience, and vision.
No matter how much or little we accomplished in a lesson, the goal was to ensure it was a positive learning experience. I'll admit, there's much I can still improve on as a teacher, since since my students constantly teach me things as well.
By my senior year as concertmaster, I was unsure about my future, but one thing was certain: I would never stop playing the violin. Staying in the orchestra wasn't about showing colleges my long-term commitment or finishing something I started. It was about doing something that made my life rich and full of learning and people.
I traveled, lived, and felt through music. Now, I can't imagine a life without it. So yes, I'm hoping to double major in music, not for any specific purpose, but because it's become a necessity in my life. I will continue to perform, to learn, and to share the joy of music with others. It's become a part of who I am, no matter what shape or form.
It's not about making it through the audition; it's about becoming a capable musician. A musician who learns and experiments, who understands that music is a personal and subjective form of art. Knowing that the violin is complex and requires patience, just like the human mind, perhaps explains why my love for psychology and music intertwine.
Reflecting on my journey with the violin, I learned that true fulfillment comes from pursuing what you love, even when the path is uncertain. Music, with its ability to transcend boundaries and connect people, has shown me that passion is not just a pursuit but a way of life. It is through this relentless pursuit of passion that we find meaning, joy, and a deeper connection to ourselves and others. So, the next time you have the chance to try something new, seize the opportunity. You never know what hidden tune you might uncover.
"Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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