Overcoming Regret: My Journey to Resume Playing Violin Part IV - Jury Submission

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of regret is to feel sad or sorry about something that you did or did not do.​ In high school, I quit the violin. This blog series is about my journey to resume playing. To read the entire series, please visit www.melaniebates.net/blog.

I recently participated in my first Jury. The Jury is designed to provide an opportunity for Levine Music Faculty, other than your primary instructor, to rate your performance. I did not know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the feedback received. I was awarded with a Distinction, "the highest honor one can receive and is reserved for just a small handful of students in the Strings Department." I could not have asked for a better inaugural semester of my return to violin!

You have everything it takes to be an excellent violinist - and you're clearly going for it! In a funny way, the pandemic shut down can give us a chance to practice more and make progress in the areas we love. Keep up the fantastic dedicated work! I'm giving you a Distinction, because your work is absolutely amazing for the level you're on.