Get to know Alyssa Kuhn, Illinois violinist!
New York born violinist Alyssa Kuhn, lives, performs and teaches currently in Peoria, Illinois. She is a well rounded musician with piano as her first instrument, bassoon her second and fulfilled her dream with the violin.
She currently runs a private violin and piano studio out of her home and also performs in recitals and in orchestras. You can read more about her and her studio at West End Studio website.
Alyssa started her violin journey with her daughter twenty years ago as a Suzuki mom. If you are not familiar with the original Suzuki tradition, the mother learns along with the child. Since then Alyssa has recieved a Masters in Music Education, soloed at Carnegie Hall and performs regularly in orchestras as section first violinist. She is living proof and inspiration for all adult violinists that dreams do come true.
In this interview, we explore the topics of playing without pain. As an adult learner, Alyssa explains the challenges adults face learning the violin as opposed to learning the violin at a younger age.
It has been a distinct pleasure of mine to guide Alyssa in her violin journey to a more relaxed state of playing to influence her overall tone.
We discuss how energetic blockages can manifest themselves as tension and the key importance of mindset not only as a musician but as a violinist.
Alyssa also discusses a bit about her orchestral journey and how she guides her students in navigating the orchestral experience.
One of my favorite aspects of Alyssa’s studio is that she provides mandatory summer music theory workshops for her students. Woot Woot Alyssa!!! I think this is a necessity for all violin teachers to provide their students.
If you are looking for a bit of inspiration burst to heighten motivation for your violin journey, don’t miss this interview!
Thanks Alyssa for sharing your violin journey with us!
Now, I would love to hear from you!
- Are you learning the violin as an adult and if so, what are your main challenges?
- Do you find that playing with tension affects your tone?
Please share in the comments below.
In violin magic,
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