Suzuki Alumni Project presents: Jupiter String Quartet
October 5th, 2016
The internationally-recognized Jupiter String Quartet performs this Sunday at Nichols Concert Hall as part of the Suzuki Alumni Project recital series. The quartet will celebrate their Suzuki roots with a concert on Sunday, October 23 from 3-5 pm at Nichols Concert Hall (1490 Chicago Avenue) in Evanston. The recital will feature works by Mozart, Ligeti, and Dvořák. Reception to follow.
Please RSVP for free tickets by clicking here >>
The Suzuki Alumni Project concerts features Suzuki alumni who credit the philosophy and teaching approaches offered by Shinichi Suzuki with helping them to develop foundations of discipline and joy in music-making and, for many others, in other pursuits. Now, as a world-wide family, their shared experiences have inspired them to celebrate the global impact and personal influence of the Suzuki method through dedicated performances by its alumni.
Interview with Meg Freivogal, second violinist of the Jupiter String Quartet
By Erin Cano
What are your favorite memories of your Suzuki teacher? Did you have a favorite activity in private lessons or group classes?
My main Suzuki violin teacher was Ronda Cole in the Washington DC area. She was a real force of nature. Her ability to understand a child for his or her individual and unique special qualities made everyone feel inspired to learn and contribute. I remember a few examples of this. Mrs. Cole had me lead a group of violin students in class and in the recital, even though I was very young. I had to stand on a suitcase in order to be seen by the rows of violinists. This made me so proud of myself. I breathed, swayed, and played, and all of the students followed me. What an empowering moment!
I also remember a regular, weekly lesson in which she leaned in and helped me with my bowhand. The room smelled like her instant soup and I felt so comfortable and content. It is one of those flashes of your past that you visit from time to time that makes you appreciate the innocence of just being a kid and learning an instrument you love - no worries in the world!
I also took lessons from John Kendall in high school. He was an amazing person and patient teacher His studio was in the forest with his wood shop underneath. His wife made pottery and often invited me and my siblings in for tea. One morning, after driving from St. Louis to Edwardsville, IL, I started my lesson. Mr. Kendall kindly stopped me and asked, "Have you warmed up?" I told him I hadn't, and I felt a bit ashamed. He didn't get mad or give me a look. He just walked over to his shelves and picked out a hand-made warm-up sheet that we learned together. I still warm up with that exercise every time I practice.
What Suzuki piece were you most excited to learn?
I remember being very excited to learn the concerto movements by Seitz in Book 4. I especially liked the Concerto No. 5.
What aspects of the Suzuki philosophy have guided you through your performing and teaching careers?
I feel thankful for learning music through a philosophy that is based on the principle that everyone and anyone can play. If you work at something, you will improve. My teachers and family always appreciated every effort I made, and it instilled in me a feeling that I have something important to say. This applies to music and all aspects of my life. I try to be this positive force for my kids and students so more people feel their contributions to the world matter.