By NORA GERMAIN, Published: September 12, 2013
Meet Nora Germain:
I am a 22-year-old jazz violinist living in Los Angeles. My parents were classical violinists in the Madison Symphony in Madison, Wisconsin, so I was raised with classical music. When I was 16, I went to Idyllwild Arts Academy in Southern California and met bassistMarshall Hawkins. Right then I decided to pursue jazz. I love jazz music, which is swing, blues, and improvisation. My goal is to use creative expression to uplift the audience, so they feel free and fearless, and most of all, the presence of love.
I am a 22-year-old jazz violinist living in Los Angeles. My parents were classical violinists in the Madison Symphony in Madison, Wisconsin, so I was raised with classical music. When I was 16, I went to Idyllwild Arts Academy in Southern California and met bassistMarshall Hawkins. Right then I decided to pursue jazz. I love jazz music, which is swing, blues, and improvisation. My goal is to use creative expression to uplift the audience, so they feel free and fearless, and most of all, the presence of love.
Instrument:
Violin
Violin
Teachers and/or influences?
I've had many outstanding teachers. First and foremost is Marshall Hawkins, who started the Idyllwild Arts Jazz Program 26 or so years ago. He is from Washington D.C. originally and he played bass for Miles Davis, Shirley Horn, and dozens of other legends. Other teachers of mine were guitarists Bob Boss and Bruce Forman. I also owe a great deal to two friends who are young classical violinists studying at Juilliard, Dima Dimitrova and Michelle Tseng. They are always inspiring and very diligent, and consistently patient with me.
I've had many outstanding teachers. First and foremost is Marshall Hawkins, who started the Idyllwild Arts Jazz Program 26 or so years ago. He is from Washington D.C. originally and he played bass for Miles Davis, Shirley Horn, and dozens of other legends. Other teachers of mine were guitarists Bob Boss and Bruce Forman. I also owe a great deal to two friends who are young classical violinists studying at Juilliard, Dima Dimitrova and Michelle Tseng. They are always inspiring and very diligent, and consistently patient with me.
Influences? Jonathan Batiste, for his supreme command over the stage and his outrageous, fearless energy. Also for bringing every last member of the audience into his world every time he plays. He is so original and creative.
Stephane Grappelli, for his outstanding, refined sound and for changing the sound of jazz in general. I also admire his collaboration with Yehudi Menuhin which was humorous, beautiful, and above all, proved that musicians can indeed function well in a concert setting outside of their own comfort zones.
John Mayer, because I love the way he solos. He is so powerful, and he has personal stories to tell the audience while he plays. He is very human.
Wynton Marsalis, for knocking everybody out with the first note. I saw him live at Disney Hall in Los Angeles this year and I couldn't believe how much energy that man plays with. You can't help but to widen your eyes and feel great.
Martin Taylor, because he is an extremely humble, kind person. He is impeccable and a swinger in the most profound, elegant way. He plays so beautifully!
Louis Armstrong, because he was an impressive musician not only to other musicians, but to the general public. He hooked everybody in with those incredible solos! His music was simple, in a way, but packed a real punch.
I knew I wanted to be a musician when...
I sight-read the tune "Skylark" when I was 16 years old, with Marshall Hawkins accompanying me on piano. That was in Idyllwild. I had been playing violin for about 13 years when that moment happened, but I was losing interest in playing classical music and it was not making me happy. Jazz was my internal revival.
I sight-read the tune "Skylark" when I was 16 years old, with Marshall Hawkins accompanying me on piano. That was in Idyllwild. I had been playing violin for about 13 years when that moment happened, but I was losing interest in playing classical music and it was not making me happy. Jazz was my internal revival.
Read more: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=45345#.UjHQ3RbhEhR
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