Will They Even Know You're a Violinist?

Fall 2024 I was asked in a job interview if people “will even know you’re a violinist?” I was annoyed at the question, but then thought, huh, I guess I did really present as a violist for about a decade…

Fall 2012 I was so worried people would only know me as a violinist, that I was determined to earn a Fellowship to attend the Aspen Music Festival as a violist before applying to doctoral programs in viola performance. In the summer of 2013, I was one of the viola ACA Fellows.

So, I’d say that worked out. I then went on to complete my DMA in viola and teach viola at a university for six years.

I find it fascinating what 12 years can do for someone. Apparently, I viola-ed so hard in Texas that people didn’t even know I was a violinist too.

Fast forward to Fall 2025 in Florida- I’m performing regularly on both instruments. My teaching studio is split between violinists and violists. I used to think that playing one or playing the other meant I wasn’t really either, but now I’m so grateful that I play both, and identify as a violinist and violist. I’m even grateful that guy asked the question, because now I’m more vocal about the violin side again. I realized I needed to balance the scales.

When I lived in Atlanta, I was mostly a violinist- I started playing viola there, but I grew up in the area as a violin kid. Then I went back and taught orchestra, taught violin lessons, and played professionally in the region. In 2010, my violin professor from FSU died after a long battle with breast cancer. After her passing, I had no interest in violin anymore and was considering leaving music all together.

Adding viola saved me from quitting music.

While working on my MM in viola performance, there was a need in the university orchestra for someone who could serve as the concertmaster. So, I ended up playing some semesters as principal violist and others as the concertmaster. Most memorable concert was when I played Capriccio Espagnol. (If you’re unfamiliar- click the link and listen to an awesome orchestra playing it.) I was reminded of the MM Concertmaster experience recently while subbing in the viola section with the Jacksonville Symphony and we played segments of that piece. I really hadn’t thought about it in years!

This week I’m playing 1st violin in a quartet for Candlelight Concerts in Jacksonville and next week I’ll be in the viola section of the Savannah Phil.

Over the past year, I’ve thought so much about the question: will they even know you’re a violinist?

• First off: Mr. Man, why did you even bring me out for an interview if you had that question?

• Second: I wish I could have answered the way my dad always told me to: “just let the fiddle do the talking.” When I was in high school, I was incredibly competitive. I didn’t always handle it very well, and wasn’t known for keeping my mouth shut. So, my dad would always advise me to just stop talking and play. He was a wise man.

In a way I did answer the interview question when I played in a recital and in the faculty chamber music reading session, but spoiler alert, I did not get that job. I was really disappointed, but I really believe things happen for a reason.

• Third: Thank you for asking the question, because now the door is open to be both a violinist and violist unapologetically. I now realize the importance of how we present ourselves on paper.

I did not need to play violin a lot while living in Texas- the market in Houston is saturated with so many fabulous violinists! I found that in the Houston community, I had a home a violist. Since moving back to the Southeast, I’ve found this market and music scene very different. I am happy to be in a new place where I can be both. Not just a violinist. Not just a violist, but just me.

So, will they even know I’m a violinist? I guess we will find out.

Coming up in the next post: Tips and Tricks for Switching Back and Forth Between Violin and Viola