Nicole Chung (Violin) – South Bay Branch
Peninsula High (Class of 2021)
From the age of four, the importance of my musical education has been stressed by my parents and peers alike in the form of the violin. I spent countless hours practicing, performing, and competing for almost nine years. By the time I joined Love in Music in the summer of 2019, I had become detached from music as an expression of self and focused more on decorating my resume with awards and certificates instead. My experiences with Love-in-Music and my students have changed much of my perspective.
My first student was a boy named Joaquin. He was quiet and only offered me a small wave when I introduced myself to him. However, I found his shyness disappeared when he picked up his violin.
He was a vivacious student and his playing reflected his attitude. He caught onto the
lessons quickly and consistently asked questions. Joaquin’s inquisitiveness and
enthusiasm were a stark contrast to my own attitude that took the violin for granted from
an early age. I was amazed by the difference in which we had approached the same instrument, prompting me to reflect on my perspective on the years I had dedicated to my violin. As I continued to teach my students to the best of my abilities, I came to appreciate
ate my musical education as well as the opportunity Love in Music gave me to share my knowledge with my students. Even as the pandemic brought a completely different set of challenges, the collaboration between the teachers, students, and parents allowed us to approach these difficulties as a community.
In retrospect, I not only witnessed the formation of each student’s connection to music but also deepened and strengthened my own. I am and will continue to be thankful for the unforgettable experiences I have had as a volunteer at Love-in-Music.