Elisa Mingo,Viola - New York, United States
“This experience was life changing. I did not expect to make lifelong friends in only a week, but this is exactly what happened. The workshops and lessons have left me with much to think about, and I will continue to take what I learned in Vaison and use this knowledge to make myself into an even better musician than before. Thank you so much to everyone who made such an impactful experience a reality for all of us.”
Liza Paksi, Violin - Trifteg, Austria
“The kindness and support of the teachers (and other participants) have made the working environment even more special than it already was! It’s not always the case. The opportunity to share my experiences and hearing those of others have helped me a lot!.”
Megan Yee, Violin - Connecticut, United States
“I appreciated the 1:1 lessons and group coaching. I felt that I was learning in a warm and judgment-free environment, and being around peers of various skill levels allowed me to see how far I've come and also where I aspire to be as a violin player. What was most eye opening for me were the applied Feldenkrais and yoga practices that encouraged me to become more curious about the role of my body -- not just in violin performance, but also in other aspects of my life… It was the first time I had actually engaged in discussions about performance anxiety and supportive body awareness practices in a music education environment. I found myself wishing that all these workshops were integrated earlier on when I first started learning music!”
Annika Porter, Violin and Viola - Oregon, United States
“There was a big focus on collaboration and learning from each other that was extremely helpful and eye-opening. Being able to take lessons was also extremely conducive to seeing improvement in my playing over the course of the program. I loved the workshop classes and how we focused on our physical selves within our music-making. Lots of programs will focus solely on the music itself, but these classes and camaraderie formed allowed us to really push ourselves out of our comfort zones and focus on how we can be more connected to our music, instruments, and ourselves. I felt large differences in my body and anxiety after classes such as Feldenkrais, body awareness, and performance anxiety. These are facets that are easy to overlook in performing, and I was just so grateful for this instruction and opportunity to focus on these elements. Coaching and instruction were extremely helpful and informative to receive coaching from so many incredibly skilled musicians and learn so many perspectives on music.”
Sara Uehara, Violin - Tokyo, Japan
“I LOVED working with faculty members and students all coming from various backgrounds! I felt supported not only through music, but also through conversations during classes, daily meal conversations, and excursions. It was an amazing learning experience. The workshops on Feldenkrais, performance anxiety, and body awareness were especially life-changing. I've always struggled with my bow arm and controlling it whenever I get nervous, but through the workshops, I was able to figure out how to get rid of the nerves by focusing on my legs and feeling grounded on the floor. I also personally enjoyed the class on arranging music. I would love to take more lessons like that in the future! I (also) learned a lot of new French and now I am motivated to study more.”
Catalina Puerta, Violin - United States/Colombia
“This was an experience like no other. I was able to share and connect with a fantastic community and dedicate time to improving my violin playing. Every class, workshop and coaching was an invaluable experience that help me improve. I could concentrate without distractions on my violin practice and learn from high-level teachers. Also, I had the opportunity to share and perform music as a community in a very safe environment where everyone was cherished and embraced regardless of their playing level. I had space and time to practice, and I was able to learn from experienced and extraordinary faculty members who gave very detailed and specific instructions on how to improve not only my pieces but also my posture and music interpretation. Vaison is an enchanted place with an amazing views, just walking into town was an incredible experience with the magnificent views. The setting was exceptional.”
Luke Hogan, Violin & Voice - New York, United States
“It was important to go somewhere so far away from the everyday; to immerse inside a culture that places such a high value on quality of life and beauty in all things. The cultural setting was the other half of the magic. When my mind wasn't on music, it was still occupied with other quality-of-life pursuits like fine food, textiles, architecture, history, gardening, etc...
The faculty and students were an incredibly supportive group. Everyone wanted the best for each other. Everyone was eager to participate and make the experience as good as it could be. The body awareness aspect was the most delightful surprise. I originally thought the yoga and Feldenkrais would be elective offshoots of the music classes, but the way that they were baked into the whole, aiding in the discussion of performance anxiety and heavily referenced in all classes and coachings, was eye opening. Being enveloped in a long, musical conversation did so much to open my brain up and drive points home.”
Nathan McGaughey, Piano & Voice - New York, United States