Every month, we like to spotlight one of our incredible Elemental Music teachers. Some of them have been teaching with us for close to a decade while others might be in their first year of working for our organization, but there is one thing that all of our teachers have in common: their dedication to the young musicians in our programs.
This month, we are featuring Prelude coach Carmen Márquez. Carmen joined our organization as a teacher last year and is now in her second season working as a violin coach with the young musicians in our beginning string ensemble. Carmen was also recently selected to be part of a prestigious fellowship program…but you’ll have to keep reading to find out more!
Elemental Music: How did you get started playing your instrument?
Carmen Márquez: Thank you for asking! I got chosen to play violin in 4th grade at Washington Elementary in Santa Ana. I was very much lost at first, but with time, music made more sense to me! I really thank Mr. Greene for inspiring me to continue with the violin even when it was challenging.
EM: What inspired you to include teaching as part of your life as a musician?
CM: This is a great question. I am inspired by my first private lesson teacher, Joanne Baker, former student of Camilla Wicks. I was fortunate to receive free tuition for lessons during my high school years studying with her. She really taught me how to play the violin with heart, but she also taught me how generous people can be. Without her financial and emotional support, I wouldn’t be where I am. I learned through her that inspiring young musicians is a lifetime reward.
EM: What is your favorite thing about working with Prelude students?
CM: My favorite thing about working with Prelude students is the passion and energy that the students bring to class every week! They are very intuitive about life and music. At times, they challenge us with questions and I think it’s inspiring. Sometimes as teachers we need to be kept on our toes and Prelude students are doing just that! They make me a better teacher every week.
EM: I know that you also work in arts administration and were recently selected to be a part of the newest cohort in Sphinx LEAD (Leaders in Excellence, Arts & Diversity). Congratulations, that's so exciting! Can you tell us a little bit about what you'll be doing in that program?
CM: Yes! Thank you for asking! The Sphinx Organization is a social justice group working to increase the representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music. I am honored to have been chosen to be part of the 5th Cohort of Sphinx LEAD, along with 10 other arts leaders from around the country. It is a 2-year leadership program designed to evolve the industry landscape by empowering the next generation of executive leaders. In addition, they provide opportunities to learn from the best practices from leading arts organizations along with a professional mentorship and $5,000 towards professional development. I hope to continue to grow and represent Elemental Music to the best of my ability!
EM: What is one of your favorite musical memories?
CM: My favorite musical moment would have to be performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall this past summer. It was truly inspiring to play in such a prestigious hall. The sound one can produce with very little effort and yet hear all the instruments of the orchestra so clearly: it was just breathtaking.
EM: If you could give our students one piece of advice, musical or otherwise, what would it be?
CM: Please continue with your quest to find your passion! Hobbies and after school programs are the best way to discover where your passion lies. With hard work and dedication we can achieve anything we set our mind to!
EM: Is there anything else you'd like to add, that you think might be interesting for our community?
CM: I feel fortunate to be able to represent my fellow LGBTQ Mexican community in the arts. Playing violin has always been my favorite way to express myself, but with more representation of minorities at the executive level of art organizations, we can adapt to our evolving landscape. Thank you for giving me the time to share a little bit about me!