How long have you been playing the violin?
In FAYM, I’ve been taking classes for about five years. I started in first grade.
Who came up with the idea for you to take violin lessons?
Even when I was really young, I loved the sound of instruments. One day a few
violinists were playing at our church (I was three years old, according to my mom). I
looked at them and said, “I want to play that!” And here I am now, playing the violin.
Tell me about starting to play.
It was kind of challenging at first. The class started in the fall and I joined around
Christmas. So I had to catch up a little bit. But I liked it a lot once I was able to play. It
was fun then, and it still is.
What is it like to take lessons?
I love it because if I mess stuff up when I’m in a lesson, I go home and practice. And
once I’m on stage, I feel proud and accomplished because I’m able to play something
that was hard for me in the beginning.
Who reminds you to practice and how long do you spend?
My mom used to have to remind me. But now I set times for myself. I practice most
days after school. If I’m comfortable with a song, maybe I’ll spend 10-15 minutes. If I’m
working on more than one, I may practice as much as 90 minutes.
What do you enjoy about playing?
After I learn a song and I have more time to practice, I like adding little accent notes and
a lot of vibrato to make it sound pretty.
What do you find challenging?
Sight reading can be a challenge. Because my vision is not the best, I sometimes
confuse notes.
Name a piece or two that you’ve enjoyed playing.

My favorite piece I have ever played is “A Jubilant Overture,” and my second favorite is
“Tango Espressivo”.
What other kinds of activities do you like to do?
I love to hike, dance, and snowboard.
When you think about taking lessons for several years, what has surprised you?
I’ve been surprised by how fast I’ve been able to learn. In the beginning, I thought it
would be years before I would be able to play. It did take a while because during
COVID, it was kind of tough working on Zoom. But I picked it up pretty quickly. And that
time helped me to learn to read music. I’m the only sixth grader in advanced orchestra
at my school. I’m the youngest of my class.
If I were to ask one of your best friends to tell me about you, what might he or she
say?
Well I actually asked my best friend that question when I got the list of questions. She
said that I have an open heart about improving my work and that I always willing to lend
a hand if somebody needs help.
What kinds of music do you like to listen to?
I like all genres of music. I think they’re all cool. I really like classical music. It’s calming,
and sounds really nice and pretty. Also I like Enya’s unique style of music.
Your dad said you like the electric violin. Tell me about that.
I love how it doesn’t even look like a real violin and yet sounds so cool. I like how
Christmas carols such as “Carol of the Bells” sound almost like a chorus when played
on an electric violin. The music sounds magical. I like Lindsey Stirling because she’s a
really good violinist and she also dances while playing.
How does listening to music influence what you want to play when you get a little
older?
At times when I’m listening to music, I think it would sound cool on a violin. Sometimes
I’ll try to learn it. A couple years ago, there was one song by the Cranberries that I liked
called “Zombie.” I sounded it out for two hours on my violin. That was exciting. I’d like to
play some kind of rock or pop songs on electric violin.
What does your younger brother think about you playing the violin?
I’m sure he thinks I’m awesome.

16. In five or ten years, do you think you’ll still be playing the violin?
Absolutely! I’ve always wanted to be a pilot and I think playing violin would be a fun side
job. I’m definitely going to continue to play during my teenage years, especially because
of FAYM.
What other thoughts do you have about your violin or music?
Honestly, I just love it. I love being able to put songs together and then perform for
people. It’s really cool. I’m blessed to have that opportunity and am really happy there is
a program like FAYM.

​

Interview with Kate O’Neill and Tyler Cook, Grace’s parents

How did you hear about FAYM?
I saw a post on Facebook talking about FAYM, so I investigated.
When did Grace start taking classes? With what group/s is she currently playing?
Grace started in FAYM’s library class in 2020, she was 6 yrs. old and in first grade. She
currently is in group 4 and plays in first violin for FAYM’s advanced orchestra.
How would you describe Grace’s experience of being in the program? And yours as
parents?
We’ve all had a great experience with FAYM and definitely feel like we’re part of the
family.
What, if any, changes have you noticed in Grace since she started playing the violin?
Since playing with FAYM she now is more confident and being on stage feels very
natural to her.

How have you adjusted to the challenges of bringing Grace to lessons and
encouraging her to practice?
As a parent you just do those things, happily. It helps that Grace loves violin and her
teachers. As for practicing, bribery works.

If other parents were to ask you about highlights in the FAYM program, what might
you tell them?
I tell people all time how incredible FAYM is, how much they offer the kids and how
much they care.
If FAYM were not here, would Grace be involved in music lessons? Explain.
Jeez, probably not it’s so expensive
What role, if any, did music play in your lives when you were growing up?

My husband and I both have a love for music, all sorts, but we never played an
instrument growing up.
What changes would you like to see in the FAYM program that could benefit Grace
and other students?
I can’t think of anything I would change about FAYM.
Other thoughts about FAYM?
Just a big thank you!