Thank you for granting us this interview. How are you? The last time we talked we were discussing your book "Blues Violin for the Young Beginner". How is your book going?
Hi Espie. Things are going fairly well. The book is selling slowly but surely.
I'm sure most would like to know what age you started playing an instrument?
I started violin at the age of 10 and had the privilege of playing in a great school orchestra in the south Bronx.
You play the violin, mandolin and fiddle. What drew you to study string instruments and what are the specific differences in playing one of these instrument from the other?
My father played violin. I think I was also drawn to the expressive qualities that make it close to the human voice. People always ask what's the difference between the violin and fiddle. These days it's simply how you play it - the addition of drone strings, slides, a rhythmic attack with the bow, improv etc. I love the mandolin, the tuning is the same as the violin with two of each string.
You graduated as cum laude from Queens College with a Bachelors Degree in Music and have been teaching eversince. Describe your teaching method.
My teaching is evolving. Currently I teach privately. My main philosophy is that people learn best when they are into the subject matter and are having fun. Some of my students are classical drop-outs. I love teaching improvisation and try to meet the student where they are at. I have a library of zeroxes and mix things up with technique building, classical studies and blues, bluegrass, Irish, etc. styles.
Any tips or advice for beginning music students?
What I tell my young students is: A) If you can't do something, you are going too fast. B) Be patient, have the faith that you will get it in time and it will become more fun and gratifying. C) Regular, focused practice is important even for half an hour and D) Better to feel good about getting one thing right than rushing through everything and not being satisfied.
Are there any specific types or brands of violin, mandolin or fiddle you can recommend for beginners?
I am no expert on beginning violins, but the tone should be mellow and not harsh. As far as violins go, I like the Glaezels for their even tone and of course the Gibson mandolins, if you can find an affordable one. Some of the chinese violins also sound good for the price.
You’ve also played in numerous venues including Carnegie Hall and Broadway. Among your performances, which one is most memorable and why?
Some of my most memorable performances are actually in smokey late nite clubs and playing bluegrass or swing. That's where I played my best. The most novel experience was demonstrating country fiddle in front of the Long Island Philharmonic at a family concert. Saying "here's a little tune that goes something like this" on the concert stage was a dream come true. Of course, the days of developing alongside the great banjo player Bela Fleck in our first bluegrass band, "Wicker's Creek", 30 years ago is a great memory.
