Name: Sophie Roseveare

What instrument(s) do you teach?

Violin and Viola

When did you discover your love of music?

I started learning violin when I was 4 years old, but I only realised what music was all about a few years later when I was given a cassette player (yes I’m that old!) and a shoebox full of classical music tapes.  I listened to them non stop and I was so sad when they wore out and the tapes unravelled!

What advice would you give to young musicians?

Like any complicated skill it takes time, work, patience and perseverance to become good at playing an instrument.  It is a long term project but the rewards are huge and will last your lifetime so don’t give up.  Not only do you get the experience of practising, achievement and performance, but you can also gain a hugely enjoyable hobby and emotional outlet that is so valuable in whatever life brings. It is not surprising that a good number of high level sports players, scientists and professionals learned to play an instrument to a high level when they were young.

What is your favourite piece of music and why?

Sinfonia Concertante by Mozart. This is a piece for Violin, Viola and orchestra and the two solo instruments’ melodies weave together in a beautiful, heartfelt conversation.   It was my favourite tape in the shoebox, and in that recording the violinist was a famous player called Iona Brown. By coincidence many years later I was part of an orchestra conducted by her brother.

What is your funniest musical moment?

Years ago in Hong Kong I was hired as one of the backing players for a visiting Korean pop star. The concert was packed with screaming fans throwing flowers and clothes onto the stage. An item of red underwear landed on my violin while I was playing! 

What is your most memorable musical moment?

I have fantastic memories of playing music in groups with friends.  I love the social aspect of music and how it brings people together, even if you don’t speak the same language.

If you could meet any composer from any point in time, who would it be and why?

I would go back to the 1800s to meet the composer, violinist, violist and guitarist Niccolo Paganini and beg him to be a little more sympathetic when writing music for people without his incredibly long fingers!