A Story About Lessons

Feb 1

For 12 years, Karni has come to the British Columbia Conservatory of Music. She has walked into the same studio, every Tuesday at 3:30 PM to take her weekly violin lesson with the same teacher, Linda Musaraj.

Karni started learning the violin when she was four years old. “I remember in the first lesson I wasn’t strong enough to hold the violin. Linda told me I could hold it by the close part of the violin and not the actual finger board…it was the heaviest thing in the world!” Karni says. Linda adds that, “It was quite a struggle because she couldn’t hold it for long. So the violin would go up, she would play for one minute, and then we would put the violin down.”

Karni Kochrian (Age 4) At Her Very First Violin Lesson

“It takes a lot of hard work.”

It’s true, learning an instrument isn’t without its struggles. The key to succeeding is to overcome those struggles, and that doesn’t come easily. Whether it’s the violin, another instrument, or anything in life, “it takes a lot of hard work,” Linda adds.

Hard work is important but students also need support. They need someone to come along side them and encourage them. Even during Karni’s first performance, Linda was supporting her. Karni remembers, “I went on the stage, I felt like I was ready, and all of the sudden I looked at the audience and I cried.” Linda adds, “I said ‘No, no, no, no don’t cry’ as I picked up my violin and we played together.”

Students need support because it builds confidence. Linda mentions that “When [Karni] started feeling that she could play very well, she performed. When people were clapping or when she was getting awards in festivals or things like that – that gave her confidence.” With hard work and confidence, students are able to succeed.

“Linda taught me to be proud of my work”

Lessons aren’t only a place where music is taught, but where life lessons are learned. “Linda taught me to be proud of my work and what I have accomplished. To be proud for putting in hard work and getting results, and that goes for instruments, school, or anything really,” Karni says.

Linda adds, “I’m really really proud of her. Karni is extremely intelligent and has a very good heart. It’s the biggest joy as a teacher when you see kids who learn and they still love playing violin.”

Karni has just completed her studies, and although she is unsure what the future holds for her, she says, “I’m going to keep practicing,” because “I definitely don’t want to stop!”