Itzhak Perlman's Advice on Practice

Watch one of the greatest violinists of our time speak about effective practice.

Violinist Ray Chen on How to Handle Negative Criticism

Here is an excellent letter from Ray Chen. concert violinist and gold-medalist of Queen Elizabeth Violin Competition, on an issue music students constantly deal with- criticism.

Warm regards from Poesis Music Academy

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“Music students, this is for you. Parents, please tell this to your kids. Teachers, please take note:

Sometimes it’s hard to see past the criticism. I have been criticized my whole life. It’s something you tend to get used to being a classical music student. It can be very constructive, but at other times it can also create a lot of negative energy especially when it comes from your teacher or mentor.

I’m sure there are a lot of students out there who can relate with lessons that have ended in tears and frustration. The question “What did I do wrong?” repeats itself over and over through the thick fog of confusion and bitterness. The thing is, you didn’t do anything wrong, because music has no rights and wrongs, there is only personal taste, and THIS is the essence of art.

The decades of training you’ve done (the average conservatory violin student start lessons at the age of 5), the countless practice sessions, masterclasses – are all done to be accepted into the eyes of a few people probably from a different generation who have their own systems and beliefs.

There is a way out though, which is to create your own belief. To be so strong in your conviction that others, no matter who they are, can not touch. My goal, my belief; is to deliver my interpretation of music written by wonderful composers to people. Simultaneously, I’m working on changing the image of classical music so that when people first think of it, the first images that come to your mind won’t be “old people” or “boring”. Classical music is for everybody.

Remember the vegetable brussels sprouts? They used to have the worst image associated to them: “lumpy”, “mushy”, “weird smell”, something left to boil too long by your grandmother and was forced to you as a child. Well look at it now, it’s one of the most popular items on a menu. It’s in every trendy restaurant. It’s now crispy and delicious, with an assortment of ways it’s served; bacon, olive oil, garlic… mmm… Well If it’s possible for a vegetable to rebrand itself, then I’m damn sure we can change the way classical music is perceived.

So music students, I encourage you to not be afraid. Take the time to study and gain knowledge from the past and turn it into something bright for the future. Learn the rules, so you can break them. Classical music is not a dying art, it’s a dead art that you bring back to life through your music, imagination, and personality. You are the future.

– Ray”

*image and content courtesy of Ray Chen, Violin Channel, and New York Times

The Most Expensive Stradivari Failed to Sell!

The "Macdonald" viola, which was made by the famous Italian artisan Antonio Stradivari in 1719, has failed to sell at Sotheby's sealed bidding auction. The asking price was $45 million US dollars and no buyer took the bite. The current record price of a Stradivari remains at $15.9M held by the 'Lady Blunt' made in 1721.

Violins have proven to be great investments (10-20% annually ) like great paintings by Picasso.  If one bought an Italian violin back in 1960s for $900 USD, the same instrument today would be worth $100,000 USD. Now going back to Strad: one could buy a Stradivari violin in 1970s for $30,000 USD. Today, that instrument would be selling around $3 million. C'est la vie.

What are your thoughts?

June 2014 Recital a Success!

We saw the dedication of our students at the June recital this year! Everyone played amazingly. Big thanks to the parents and our devoted teachers. At Poesis Music Academy we make sure we nurture everyone through practical, hands-on experiences. Studio lessons are greats, but nothing will teach you better than a stage and a full house of audiences.

Looking for excellence and excitement in music? We will make it happen.

By popular demand, we might add another recital later this year- stay tuned!

Music Lessons Donated to Blakeburn Elementary School

We are delighted to have donated many in-studio and in-home violin and piano lessons for the Carnivals at Blakeburn Elementary School in Port Coquitlam. One of our goals is to give back to the communities what they have given us and our children.

If you have an event that might include fund-raising, activities, silent auctions, or draws, feel free to contact us- we will see what we can do!

Summer Music Camp! Violin, Fiddle, Piano, Guitar, Cello & Flute

Wanted: sun, ice cream, and fun music

Ahh, it's about that time of the year again- warm fuzzy sun, mouth-watering ice cream, and lots of outdoor activities. Well, how about some music to engage yourself or your children? Poesis Music Academy is offering high educational and fun summer music camps/classes in violin, piano, cello, flute and guitar. Come meet the finest music education team in Coquitlam. All of our teachers have master's degrees in music and are specialists in music education. Your life will never be the same.

Call 778.285.9967 to reserve your spot!

Beethoven's 10 Violin Sonatas on a Stradivarius Violin

We have always enjoyed the playing of violinist Leonidas Kavakos, who plays with imagination and virtuosity. Watch his latest video on Beethoven's 10 Violin Sonatas on his 1724 'Abergavenny' Stradivarius Violin. Very educational.

Menuhin Violin Competition

Here is an informative video about the legacy of violinist Yehudi Menuhin and his young violinists competition. Parents and students are encouraged to watch it:

Coquitlam Music School Now Fully Open for Violin, Piano, Cello & Flute Lessons

Our Award-Winning Violin Class: Parents can learn tips to help your child practice at home

Our Coquitlam music school is now fully open- we are accepting registrations for violin, piano, cello and flute lessons for all ages and levels. Our award-winning teachers will be glad to tailor music lessons to your needs.

Please call our office at 778-285-9667.