Hello friends,
It's been a while - or maybe this is your first message from me.
If so, allow me to introduce myself: I am a musician, teacher, artist, organizer, and life long learner. I chose that last title because once I try to start listing the things I [try to] do and hats I [would like to] wear, the list becomes endless. But, primarily, I play the fiddle/violin and make my living playing and teaching it. Sometimes I share a lot with this list, and sometimes I have long stretches of quiet. Today I want to share a couple of brief notes, with the intention of sharing more soon - in bite size nuggets!
First, some exciting news that I posted over the summer on social media: I am very proud to announce that I am on the latest Dr. Dog album, released in July, playing string parts with Connor Armbruster, written and arranged by Jared Samuel Elioseff and recorded at his stuio, Pale Moon Services. Here is a goofy reel I put together, filmed and directed by James Gascoyne, to explain my excitement.
I am on What a Night'll Do and you can check out the whole album on any of your preferred streaming services and/or order a hard copy here.
Second, one of my primary projects is my band Drank The Gold. We have our own newsletter to share more comprehensive news, but I can't resist giving you a glimpse of this photo, expertly shot by Kiki Vassilakis, from last Tuesday at Song City Troy. It is songwriters/composers in the round series hosting fantastic events in our region, and I came home truly inspired by everyone's music and generous sharing.
Another job that I love is teaching - private lessons focusing on the intricacies of playing fiddle music and/or Suzuki Method classical violin and/or deep dives into setup and technique to help produce a beautiful sound and encourage a healthy body; group classes including youth folk ensemble classes at Caffe Lena (new session begins *tomorrow* if you want to jump in); and online offerings (more TBA). I'm currently exploring questions regarding routine and motivation in practicing, and healthy movement patterns. I'll be sending out a separate message with more information about my teaching, but please get in touch if you are curious (sometimes I take a long time to respond to teaching inquiries - but I'm back in teacher mode this fall and better prepared for your messages!)
Speaking of teaching, I've got to wrap this up for now and get ready for lessons. But one last thought - a little unsolicited ad for an offering that I am not affiliated with - except as a student. If you've ever been curious about Hindustani (North Indian) classical music, wondered what a raga is, want to work on singing in a judgement free zone (in Zoom on mute!), want to develop a singing/breath practice, or simply like trying and learning new things: I heartily recommend checking out this online course - beginning tomorrow - lead by Michael Harrison, hosted by Arts, Letters, and Numbers. It's completely online with participants tuning in from all over the world, and all classes are recorded. Here are all the details.
With that, I'll leave you for now. More soon. Say hi if you have a minute, I'd love to hear from you!
xo Oona