Name
Louisa Muir
Instrument or Instruments
Piano/Violin
Tell us about your formal education in music.
I started my formal music education at Cornell College in Iowa where I studied Music Education. I later transferred to Northern Arizona University where I received a BA in Music. I also attended graduate school in Flagstaff where I studied Music History.
Tell us about your professional performance experience.
I have played with the Flagstaff Symphony and the Flagstaff Chamber Orchestra, as well as the Prescott Symphony and the Prescott Pops Symphony.
What inspired you to start playing music?
I was inspired to start playing music at about the age of 4. I grew up listening to both my mother and grandmother play the piano, and I always sat next to them listening and watching closely. My mother taught me lessons for a while then I started taking private lessons at the age of 6. Although no one in my family played violin I always knew it was an instrument I wanted to learn. As a child I was fascinated by the vibrancy and beauty of it.
Was finding the motivation for practicing hard for you as a beginner? Is it still difficult at times?
Practicing came pretty naturally to me as a beginner. I was always determined to master everything I was given to practice. It seems a bit harder as an adult with a busy schedule. Often there is just not enough time in the day, but if I skip a day of practice I will make up for it later in the week. I also spend a lot of time working on music games and activities for my students. I find them to be incredibly helpful teaching tools for my youngest students.
What types of music do you currently listen to and enjoy playing?
I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music, everything from country and current pop hits on the radio to the music of the Big band era, which I used to listen to with my grandmother. I also enjoy most classical music genres, especially that of the Romantic era.
What do you like the most about teaching music?
I love seeing my students become confident in their abilities! I also enjoy teaching music to very young students, which is so important in enhancing skills needed for their primary education and social interaction, as well as developing coordination and motor skills. The feedback I most love to hear from a parent is that their child has improved in school since starting music lessons. A happy, confident student who enjoys their music lessons is always my goal.
What are your non-musical hobbies and interests?
I have always been involved in animal rescue. I ran an animal sanctuary for several years, taking in orphaned, injured and abandoned animals in northern Arizona. I started with companion animals and eventually branched out to include wildlife.
What advice do you have for all music students, regardless of their instrument?
My advice to all music students is to enjoy the whole musical experience as much as possible. Set goals for improvement but don’t be disappointed if you don’t get there as quickly as you intended. You will reach your musical goals much faster if you enjoy the process and keep practice stress-free. Also, don’t fear making mistakes! Not only does everyone make them but they are an important step in your musical journey.
