Yolanda Becker
Violinist
“At 8 years old, I picked up the bow of a violin... and the rest is history. I love that every year is always unique; no student, wedding or performance are ever exactly the same. It keeps life exciting and lyrical”
What’s your day like during the Summer?
It’s 7:06 pm on a mild summer evening, and I have just finished running through some of the music John (the cellist) and I will play on Wednesday evening. We were hired to play for a very small wedding reception up in the White Mountains. I’m the 1st violinist and manager for the ensemble Strings For All Occasions. We perform for special events and weddings in the New England area. This year, we’ve had the privilege to play at some gorgeous venues, including Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA, Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA, and one of my favorite places in the world, Cliff House (enjoy the views from the New England Inns and Resorts) in Cape Neddick, ME.
“I absolutely love providing the soundtrack to someone’s special day.”
What’s your day like when September rolls around?
In September, the rest of my private students resume lessons. I have a studio space in Westford, MA, as well as at my home in New Hampshire, where I teach violin and guitar lessons. For those who live too far away from me or have a tricky schedule, it makes it very convenient. My preferred method of teaching is the Suzuki method. The philosophy behind this method is that we all learn our mother tongue by listening and repetition. We don’t learn to read until much later on. I find this helps my students develop great posture and focus on their sound instead of trying to figure out cryptic dots on a sheet.
On Monday mornings for a couple of hours, I have the privilege of helping coach the middle and high school orchestras where I went to school.
Truly full circle!
What makes playing the Violin so special?
I love that every year is always unique, no student, wedding or performance ever exactly the same. It keeps life exciting and lyrical.
Where else can we hear you play?
Last year, I was able to perform with the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra for two concerts, one of which featured Lori Singer (cellist and Footloose actress) as soloist for a Dvorak concerto. This year I am hoping to perform two concerts with them as well.
What do you do to relax amidst your busy schedule?
Relaxing doesn’t always come naturally to me! When I am not performing, teaching, on a long drive home from a gig, I like to run. Movement is really essential for me. This year, I completed the Restore 10K in New Castle, NH. The views are stunning, and it was great to run and raise funds for NEMRF who helped me pay for some bills during the Covid pandemic in 2020. I also like to read: a good thriller, historical fiction, etc. I also read the Bible regularly which is helpful in many ways.
Thank you to NEMRF for letting me do this story!