From Mild to Wild

Electric Violin

Did you know electric violins have been in use since the 1920s? Built from Kevlar, glass, and carbon fibers (rather than the traditional wood), these instruments and their “raw” sound are ideal for rock, pop, and jazz music. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_violin)

David Pratt, violin instructor at Harris Academy of the Arts, began playing the electric violin around age 13. He was interested in playing in bands and other nontraditional violin settings in which the electric violin, and its ability to be amplified (without the issue of feedback), fit well with the other instruments. He was also interested in being able to alter the sound of his violin, much like one can on the guitar. Now, five strings (traditional violins have four!) and an amplifier later, this Fritz Kreisler and classical music fan has the best of both worlds.

According to David, the ability to electronically alter the sound lends the electric violin to jazz and rock music. “I like to improvise over rock riffs,” says David. “I also enjoy streaming instrumental versions of popular songs onto a multi-track recorder, and then replacing what would have been the vocal track with violin improvisation.”

While equipment can be pricey, it is possible to find a quality “rig” (or set up) at a reasonable cost. David has found using a keyboard amp provides multiple options. “For instance, I like to amplify my electric violin with a keyboard amp that has a multi-channel mixer built into it, so I can stream music, add a drum machine, add a bass guitarist, add a vocalist, and play violin, simultaneously or in any combination while controlling the volume of all inputs.”

More information about purchasing an electric violin and equipment follows (provided by David, unless otherwise indicated). If all this technical talk is just mumbo jumbo to you, David is happy to answer any questions on the topic. Contact Harris Academy of the Arts at 402.423.7121 to ask your questions. Curiosity is welcome!

More From David:

What equipment is needed to play the electric violin?
For some electric violins, such as the Yamaha Silent Electric Violins, the only equipment needed is the violin, the bow, and a pair of headphones.

“If your only intention is silent practice, than a set of headphones will be sufficient, provided your instrument has a headphone jack.  If not, you will need some other device, such as an amp or effects processor that does have a headphone jack, which will then require a cable. If you want to be heard by others, you will need an amplifier, or the ability to connect to a PA (Public Address) system through a soundboard.  This will require at least one cable.” (www.electricviolinshop.com/blog/resources/faq/#amp)

Can I use my regular bow?  Strings?  Rosin? 
“Yes, yes and yes! Electric instruments use normal strings under normal tension. Therefore, any traditional horsehair bow and rosin combo will work. That said, there is tremendous variation in bow quality, which will affect your tone and technique greatly.” (www.electricviolinshop.com/blog/resources/faq/#bow)

What kind of investment is it to purchase an electric violin?
“Cost can be significantly reduced by shopping online, on Craigslist, on Ebay, or elsewhere. Multi-effects units are generally far cheaper than buying individual units and hooking them together. Multi-effects units dramatically simplify setups. For about $1000, one could find a basic electric violin, an amplifier, and a preamp/multi-effects processor. One may even be able to do this for $500.”

Anything else you'd like to share?
Guitar amps, and guitar effects are optimized for guitarists, who dominate the market for these items. Guitar amps exaggerate mid-range frequencies and many guitar effects make the violin sound harsh and brittle without significant adjustment.  There are violin amplifiers on the market, but I would be wary of these, because they do not yet have the same economies of scale as the keyboard or guitar variety and one may well end up paying a premium for sound quality that can be obtained through already available products (such as a keyboard amplifier).

Pet of the Month: September

Meet Jagger!

Jagger belongs to Avery and Tucker Smith. Avery takes piano and flute lessons and Tucker takes piano and voice. They say Jagger loves coming to Harris!

Do you have a pet you love? Send us a cute photo for a chance to be featured as the next Pet of the Month!

Instructor Spotlight: September 2014

Mai Butler

Mai Butler, piano instructor at Harris Academy of the Arts, grew up in a musical environment. Her mother was a piano teacher and Mai always knew that the piano would naturally be a part of her life forever.

Mai was born in Japan in a town called Kawaminami in the Miyazaki Prefecture. “Miyazaki Prefecture is located in the southern island in Japan,” says Mai. The population of my hometown is about 17,400 and the best feature of Kawaminami is that it is close to both mountains and sea.”  Now, thousands of miles across the ocean, Mai lives in Lincoln, NE and holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in piano performance.

Teaching piano is Mai’s dream job. “My students always make me happy,” she says. “I have very special connections with my students.  When I witness students' improvement, I am deeply touched by them and I reconfirm that my job is one of the most amazing jobs.  I have goose bumps when my students are able to deliver very beautiful tone color and quality.”

Mai is also involved as a performer in the Lincoln area, giving frequent solo recitals and piano duo recitals, teaming up with fellow pianist, Feifei Jiang. Whatever she is playing, her heart goes into it. “My favorite performance memory is when I was touched by my own performance.  I feel that I am practicing so hard every day to experience this special moment and it is one of the best feelings I have ever experienced.  There are two times these special moments happened to me: when I played a Beethoven sonata for my high school entrance exam (as a piano performance major) and when I performed a piano concerto with the Jefferson City Orchestra.”

Read Mai's Bio >>

More about Mai:

Do you play any other instruments?
I used to play trumpet when I was an elementary student as a member of marching band

What is your favorite kind of music?
I love all classical music. I love to listen to music from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.  I enjoy more playing contemporary music rather than listening.

What other hobbies do you have besides music?
My hobby beside music is window-shopping for home decorations.  I love looking at wall-decors, paintings, furniture, and gardening materials.

What is your favorite food?
I love Asian foods, especially Japanese, Chinese, Korean , and Vietnamese foods.  My favorite Japanese food is cold Soba (buckwheat noodles) served on a wickerwork platter and eaten after being dipped in a cold sauce.  

What do you think is the best movie of all time? 
Up and Avatar

September Student of the Month

Elisabeth Gross

Elisabeth, the September Student of the Month, is an easy going, positive 16 year old. Take, for instance, her favorite recital memory: “When one of my songs was a complete train wreck, because now I look back and just laugh!” Or her favorite food: “Watermelon and mangoes…also, pretty much anything delicious.” Pretty much, Elisabeth is pretty great and we love having her as a student at Harris.

Elisabeth has studied with her instructor for 10 years and is making tremendous progress. (You can listen to her playing in the video.) Her goals with music lessons are to continue learning music to have the skills needed to play for the rest of her life.

Elisabeth’s instructor, Vicki Harris, says she is an absolute delight. “She has blossomed as an artist and her piano skills have also enhanced Elisabeth’s interest in guitar, ukulele, and singing.”

More About Elisabeth:

Other Instruments You Play:

Ukulele, Voice

Favorite Songs:
Dawn from Pride and Prejudice

Favorite Classes in School:
Music classes! (choir), math

Something New You are Learning in Lessons:

I am learning how to relax my hands. Playing with tense muscles is no fun!

Favorite Quote:
“Do small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa

Favorite Movie:
Pride and Prejudice

Favorite Book:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society or The Book Thief

A Little Known Fact About You:
In kindergarten when we dressed up as what we wanted to be when we grew up, I dressed up as a janitor.

Know Any Good Jokes:

A magic tractor turned into a field.

Instructor:

Vicki Harris

Pet of the Month: August

Meet Barney!

Barney belongs to Miss Vicki. He's an ornery, sweet, and spoiled Cavachon (King Charles Cavalier and Bishon mix). He loves to nap and rest his chin on Miss Vicki's foot while she practices piano.

Do you have a pet you love? Send us a cute photo for a chance to be featured as the next Pet of the Month!

Brother for Sale!

“Brother for sale, only fifty cents.

Brother for sale, he’s not a big expense.”

The just-crowned Miss Nebraska Princess has a brother. His name is Kyle and he’s for sale.

Okay, not really.

“Brother for Sale” was Kadynce Mullin's talent number at the Miss Nebraska Pageant last May and she chose to dedicate the act to her brother (that’s him in the picture she’s holding). Her performance, along with other criteria such as modeling, beauty, and speech, earned her the title.

“Hey, would anybody like to buy a slightly used big brother?

Even if you have one now, trade him for another.”

Kadynce worked with Jeff Kuhl, instructor of voice and theatre at Harris Academy of the Arts, to prepare for the talent portion of the pageant. Kadynce’s mother, Brenna, said Jeff is “very passionate about what he does and works diligently to make his students successful. [He] shared insight and enthusiasm which made “Brother for Sale” such a success for Kadynce!”

Kaydnce’s newly-earned title as Miss Nebraska Princess has opened up a bundle of opportunities for this soon-to-be 7-year-old. When she isn’t working on developing her skills for the National American Miss Pageant in Anaheim, California this November, she’s meeting with Nebraska Senators, throwing out the first pitch for the Lincoln Salt Dogs, making parade appearances, and–most notably—donating 100 volunteer hours to Lincoln and Nebraska organizations.

Especially meaningful is Kadynce’s personal pick for her summer project. “The day after her pageant, Kadynce had a seizure and was transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Omaha,” says Brenna. The ordeal naturally led to Kadynce’s decision to raise support for the Children’s Miracle Network, selling suckers to raise funds.  In addition, she's baking goods for the Rainbow House at the Children’s Hospital, as well as donating books and reading time.

Q&A with Kadynce’s mom, Brenna:

How did Kadynce get started in the pageant world?

"She competed in the local Applejack Festival pageant...in Nebraska City."

 How many pageants has Kadynce participated in so far?

"Only two of this type. (Two state pageants and one national)"

 What is Kadynce's favorite thing about competing in pageants?

"She loves to be on stage now and she has so much fun!"

Kadynce's talent number is "Brother for Sale". Does she have a brother? If so, tell us a little bit about their relationship!

"Kadynce has 3 older step-brothers, Kyle, Michael, and Keith and she loves her “bubbies”.  She chose to dedicate her Brother for Sale number and feature her brother Kyle, who is now 21. He was much younger in the photo…lol. She loves to hang out with him and also he picks on her. He still spoils her so much!"

What is something about the National American Miss Pageant that most people don't know?

"This is a prestigious pageant system that is truly invested in the future of young leaders and offers the chance for development and personal growth.  They offer amazing rewards and even a Mustang to a lucky girl at nationals!"

 If she wins the national pageant, what would Kadynce "do" with her title?

"She would have the opportunity to participate in so much more community activities and raise even more funds for charitable organizations."

Is there anything else you would like to share, from a mom's perspective, or from Kadynce's perspective?

"I will never forget the moment they called her name as the Miss Nebraska Princess! It is such an honor to be part of all of this.  She was so excited to tell Jeff [Kuhl] that she had won and she loved to make him so proud!  Thank you Harris Academy for all your support!"

Music Moolah!

You might have seen some purple, yellow, and blue “bills” around the studio. These notes, not exactly musical or legal tender, are called “Music Money” and they can be earned by students and redeemed for prizes. Want to start your own cash flow? It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Do something to impress your instructor: Meet a practice goal. Pass your level of books. Attend a symphony concert. Perform in a studio recital. Compose an original song.  In return, your instructor will reward you with Music Money!

2. Save! The prize boxes start at $1 and go all the way up to $60. The more you save, the better the prize. Unless of course, you just want candy!

3. Spend! When you’re ready to cash in, take your “bucks” to the front desk and ask to redeem them.

Our Music Money venture started in August 2013. Our first Music Money dollar is proudly displayed on the wall next to the prize "store". We’re looking forward to many successful years ahead!