Teacher Spotlight: Julie Fischer, Suzuki violin

Teacher Spotlight:  Julie Fischer, Suzuki violin

Interview by Erin Cano, violin

Julie joined MIC as a Suzuki violin instructor in 2010.

What led you to become a Suzuki teacher?

Music was always in my house, because my mom is also a violin teacher. I was learning about the Suzuki approach before I was even born! I remember coming home from pre-school and sitting on my mom’s lap, watching her teach. She started having me help her students practice when I was 10 years old. One of the students I worked with has gone on to become a violin teacher.

Which one of your teachers inspired you the most? What aspects of their teaching have you integrated into your own style?

This is a tough question, because I remember every teacher I’ve ever had, even at institutes. Each experience has shaped me into who I am today. If I had to pick, I would say my college and graduate school teacher, Donald Weilerstein. It's not that I have integrated aspects of his teaching; it's that I already was using them. I connected with how he used imagery, found countless ways of helping students grasp the lesson concept, and wouldn't give up until the student understood, even if the idea came from the student. He would play on the students' instruments to feel what they were experiencing and to show them the possibilities of sound.

What is your favorite piece to teach?

My favorite piece is Twinkle, because you can't learn to play any of the other pieces without it!

You have performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician around the world. What is one of your most memorable concerts?

I was in a tour group of 30 violinists, and we performed in England and France when I was 13. I got to play Ziguenerweisen as a solo in a beautiful church in London.  I had been inspired by another soloist on our tour, years before, who went on to study with the renowned violin teachers Almita and Roland Vamos. I was excited that I had reached the level she had achieved, and that I had already started studying with the Vamoses at the time of that performance. 

Do you play any other instruments besides the violin? If not, what other instrument would you like to play?

I play the piano, and I played French horn in junior high.  I always wished I could play the cello or oboe. And though I wish I could play those other instruments, I am thankful every day that I get the opportunity to play my violin, because that is truly my musical voice.