Often described as one of the most difficult instruments to master, this week’s talented student makes it look and sound all too easy.
Shirine Nehme from Saint Patrick’s School has been playing the violin for three years, and since then has almost mastered the tone and technique required for a virtuoso.
“I just wanted to learn how to read music, because my brother plays the guitar, so my parents suggested the violin, and I thought it would be great because it’s quite complicated.”
The nine-year-old says she has had many other inspirations, and is especially encouraged by her violin teacher Paul Barlow.
“He is really great, because he explains everything really well, and he just makes learning fun,” she said.
“I can’t wait to be able to play like him one day.”
Not only to be able to play like him either, but to instill the same passion for violin by teaching as a second job.
While Shirine isn’t quite sure if she wants to me a professional musician when she grows up, she would most certainly like to continue in music.
“I’m not completely sure if I want to be a musician in the future, but it would be really cool to write my own songs and hear them played,” she said.
Johan Sebastian Bach is her favorite composer, and enjoys listening to his music.
“Sometimes I like listening to Classical FM to hear some of the violinists who play.”
After she started learning the violin, she saw some performances by orchestras in Sydney, and the spark of enthusiasm was lit even further.
I would like to write some classical and pop music, maybe combine them and see what I can do.
- Shirine Nehme
“They inspired me to be able to play like them, because it would be great to sit down and be able to play at that level.”
“I would like to write some classical and pop music, maybe combine them and see what I can do.”
Her favorite song of the moment is Mer Hahn En Neue Oberkeet by Johan Sebastian Bach.
“I feel happy when I play the violin, because sometimes I just know the song and it feels comfortable to put my fingers on the fingerboard and just play,” she said.
“It feels like something I was meant to do, it feels very natural.”
Shirine’s favorite thing about the violin is that it is so much fun to play.
“It's complicated, but once you get the hang of it it’s really fun, the best part is when you learn a song and you can just play and enjoy it.”
“Some songs I like playing by myself, but some songs sound better and it’s a lot more fun to play in a group with all the different voices.”
If you know a musical primary school student and you would like to see feature in our Musical Moments section in Wednesday’s edition, please email jacinta.dickins@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
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