Kelly Carlson -
Violin
Where and how did you get your start in music?
I started playing the violin when I was in 5th grade. I was part of an orchestra until my senior year of high school. I have taught violin to young children since I was in high school and I started teaching at Arbor Music in 2018. Today, I still play the violin at church and I have enjoyed teaching children to play for almost 20 years now.
What is your favorite style of music to play/ What is your primary instrument?
My favorite style of music is baroque/classical. My primary instrument is the violin.
Who is your favorite composer/musician?
I enjoy the classical composers from the early classical or Baroque time periods. Those composers include Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, etc. I appreciate the hard work they did to bring music to the world. Their primary reason for writing music was for the church to glorify God.
What inspired you to teach/what do you enjoy about teaching?
I was inspired to teach children the violin through a teacher that I had. I learned a lot from her and she was an inspiration to me to continue playing and not to give up. I also have a heart for teaching. It is a gift that I have been given. I have taught violin for almost 20 years now. I enjoy teaching children not only music, but other things as well. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and I have home schooled my children for over 10 years.
How do you motivate students to practice?
I encourage my students to keep a time log of the minutes practiced, and they receive a prize from a basket once they practice a certain amount of minutes. I also tell them that the lessons will be repeated over and over until they practice and master what is taught.
What are some unique things you do to make a positive impact on students’ musical growth?
I like to really focus on the basics of music theory and the foundational elements of violin playing. I want my students to understand music in general and to be encouraged to make music a part of their lives forever, not just the violin. I want my students to have a love for music and to glorify God with music. I encourage my students to play with others, like in an orchestra, at church, or for other people to become a stronger player and to share the gift of music with others.
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
That is a tough question, because I love trees. In fact, we live on 2.5 acre lot that is heavily wooded. However, I would have to say that my favorite tree is probably an Oak Tree. They have strong limbs and can grow very large. They provide shelter and shade and beauty. I would like to think that I am a strong teacher, mother and wife who provides shelter, knowledge and beauty to others.