This week, we have a special post featuring one of our amazing violin and piano instructors, Christine! She currently teaches the most students out of any instructor at Vibe, and is such an incredible joy to have around.
Check out this interview with instructor Christine Harrill!
To begin, what do you teach at Vibe and how old are your students?
I teach violin, piano, and viola, and my students are between age 4 and grandparents.
What is your favorite concept or skill to teach?
Recently, I have enjoyed rhythms. I tended to always struggle with it growing up, and now developing sound ways to teach it has been exciting. It’s fun finding ways to teach things to make up for the gap.
Talk about your background in music, all the way from your very first experience with an instrument.
My dad tuned and repaired pianos, and so I’ve always had at least one piano in the house. My mom showed me a few songs earlier than age 7, and then played piano and violin ever since. My degree is in violin performance from Ball State. It has always what I’ve wanted to do!
A penguin walks through your front door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
“Hola, amiga!” That’s all the appropriate Spanish I know… I think he’s coming over to play board games!
When you begin lessons with a beginning player, what are some initial goals you help create with the student?
I just want them to be comfortable with the instrument, not scared of making mistakes. I want them to learn a song so that they can sit down and play for friends and family and sense that accomplishment.
What’s your favorite ‘90s jam?
I was homeschooled, I don’t know! Billy Joel… and Backstreet Boys I guess! I listened to mostly 70s/80s music. Simon and Garfunkel are probably more popular now than they were then… And Maroon 5. The old Maroon 5 for sure.
What are some of your favorite method books to utilize and prescribe?
Suzuki, and recently I’ve switched over to Faber. Faber really has good songs and the kids really like it.
Do you remember one of the first times you “fell in love” with music?
I remember going to my first orchestra concert, and it was a Halloween concert. They even had someone scream at the top of their lungs at some point. The sound of the orchestra was so grand, and the sense of goosebumps was immediate. I’ll never forget it!
What is your all-time favorite performing experience?
One of my favorites for sure - I was at the University of Tennessee, and the entire orchestra went over to Nashville for a teacher’s convention. I forget what we played, but the group was so in sync that night. I never had to worry about issues. Being able to perform a large symphony without stressing out was amazing. And I got to play a Stradivarius that weekend! Not during the performance… but. Still.
You are the newest addition to a crayon box. What color are you and why?
I am rosegold! It is a little bit pink and a little bit sparkly, and it stands out a little bit from the rest of the colors.
Why do you feel that music education is important for developing members of society?
It’s part of life! It is impossible to live life without interacting with music in some way. No matter where you live in the world, you’re going to have music in your life. It just makes sense! Also, it’s such a stress reducer, to make music for even a little bit.
We are so thankful for Christine, her time, and her talents that influence her students so significantly. Read more about Christine here.
