Music major gives beginner violin and trumpet lessons to students in the GTA

Learn more about Adrianna

• When and why did you develop an interest in your chosen field?

  I started violin at the age of seven and trumpet at twelve. I was captivated by these instruments when I first saw Itzhak Perlman and Winton Marsalis in concert - I had to learn the instruments to be able to play as expressively as they could.

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  The violin and trumpet allow me to express my emotions through an instrument. These instruments speak loudly, but both have a royal, angelic quality which keeps me drawn to them. Music has helped me overcome obstacles in my life and I believe that learning an instrument is a very powerful way of focusing one's mind and body into an art that fosters a positive well-being.

• What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  I love teaching others what helped me reach my goals while playing an instrument. Often my students come to me exhausted from a long day of school but are happy to improve on their instrument. I want to teach my students what will help them improve, but also what they want to play, allowing them to stay engaged in their practicing and have more fun learning their instrument.

• Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My role model is Hilary Hahn as she preaches self-love and positive practicing. Her playing is expressive and creative, and she never fails to teach me the importance of repetition and mindfulness during practice.

• What are your keys to success?

  Of course, practice makes perfect. Though, the only way to reach perfection is to practice -effectively- which is something that many musicians struggle to do. Rather than playing five hours a day in order to improve on your instrument, you can refine your practicing and get the same amount of progress in much less time. This strategy reduces the likelihood of injury and leads to a streamlined path to the mastery of your chosen instrument.