Name
Jenna Reagan
Instrument or Instruments
Violin, Cello
Tell us about your formal education in music.
I started playing the violin at age 10. I didn’t start lessons until high school. I knew I wanted to teach music by the time I was in middle school. I really enjoyed helping peers master music. I have a bachelors in music education from the University of Arizona. My private teachers were Aaron Boyd and Jose Leonardi Reyes. Learning all the instruments was quite an interesting challenge that broadened my horizons as a musician. Never feel locked into only one instrument be daring and branch out.
Tell us about your professional performance experience.
Since graduating I have not been playing in an orchestra unfortunately. Over full time employment hasn’t left much time to pursue more performance opportunities. I teach elementary orchestra with TUSD at 5 different elementary schools.
Do you still practice? How often?
I try to practice every day, especially if I am feeling particularly stressed. I find practice therapeutic when done right. I find the length of time should be at least an hour, with two hours being ideal As a string player my best sound is after at least 30 minutes of technical exercises so don’t skip the warm ups! The piece will just sound out of tune until you have enough flexibility to play it correctly.
What inspired you to start playing music?
The first memory of live music I can recall is watching my grandfather play the violin when I was 5 years old. He wasn’t very good, but I remember loving the sound and the joy live music brings to the audience. My father had quite a wide variety of music records. From Tchaikovsky to Pink Floyd and Abba I danced and sang a plethora of music genres. My sister started cello and so of course I had to copy her, but chose violin instead.
Was finding the motivation for practicing hard for you as a beginner? Is it still difficult at times?
I found practicing to be “the fun homework” so didn’t struggle too much in the beginning. My problem was getting frustrated easily. Playing the violin teaches you to be diligent to the cause. You could play a difficult excerpt 50 times and still not master it with the correct articulation and intonation. Anytime you hit that roadblock it’s best to play something you have mastered and come back to problem spots with a different practice approach.
What advice do have for students who need help getting motivated to practice?
The phrase “practice makes perfect” really says it all even though people don’t take it to heart. Success is what everyone wants. The only road to take you there is practice. It can be frustrating and unpleasant in the beginning, but once you get past the beginner phase as a musician practice becomes much more enjoyable.
What types of music do you currently listen to and enjoy playing?
I will always love playing the famous composers of the Baroque and classical such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. I like to branch out of the normal violin repertoire and play Romanian Gypsy and improvise with electronic music. I listen to so much that I take it upon myself to listen to new music almost all the time. KXCI makes this easy with great DJs like Bob Girth. The Hub has introduced me to some of my all time favorite songs. Electric Feel is my favorite KXCI show I love electronic dance music and all of the many sub-genres it contains. I stream free internet radio from SomaFM which has so many amazing stations like Space Station and LushFM. I try to go see live music as much as possible I have stumbled upon bands I would have never encountered if I didn’t see them live.
What do you like the most about the Allegro Student Recitals?
Having a performance gives students that necessary motivation to truly master a piece. It also helps get over the initial performance anxiety people have.
What’s the single most important principle you try to convey to all of your students?
Dedication is truly to most valuable trait when it comes to learning. If you are committed to your goals and desires 100% then you will achieve them. Having will power to persevere and push through the challenges makes a well rounded human being.
What aspect of teaching music do you enjoy the most?
When students master the “technique focus” that may have been causing problems for some time. Incorrect position can be so detrimental to playing violin and cello that it can cause noticeable sound problems like screeching or hissing. The look of accomplishment when they fix something important shows them how all that hard work really paid off.
In what ways do you see your students benefiting from learning music?
There are many studies showing the benefits of learning music. in terms of physical and mental benefits there is increased muscle dexterity, improved concentration and perseverance, and lower stress levels. Social benefits include greater confidence and collaboration skills.
What are your non-musical hobbies and interests?
I enjoy bike riding and have expanded my cooking abilities. I have been eating 100% organic food for the past year and it has taught me so much about the food we eat and how we eat so much prepared/ processed foods in the sake of convenience. I have become a food activist after having such great success with eating all organic.
What overall advice would you have for all music students, regardless of their instrument?
Don’t give up! Many people I meet tell me “oh I used to play piano or guitar, I wish I didn’t quit!” Working through tough times makes it worth it. Getting to a professional level of playing is such a satisfying and impressive accomplishment. Don’t rob yourself of the opportunity by losing sight of the goal.
Interested in signing up for music lessons?
Call us at 520-670-9162 or request more information online!
