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RON PAUL
Violin & Viola
Lessons, Chamber Music, Ensemble, Solo
Weddings, Church Services, Jewish High Holy Days
Classical Violin - Anyone Can Play
All are welcome. Any level. Any age
The violin is a deceptively simple looking instrument with just 4 strings and a bow. Despite it's intimidating reputation, anyone with a desire to learn with an unyielding focus on music can enjoy the journey.
Technically, it boils down to basic Newtonian Physics. The musical magic happens when the student is able to apply the physics to musical expression.
My Story
Playing from "A Tune a Day" on my first violin. Sacramento, CA, 1963
I took my first violin lessons in 1963 at age 7 from an old fiddler and gentle soul by the name of Mr. Schooling. He would perform each year at the California State Fair. I still have the exercise books titled "A Tune a Day". After each lesson, he rewarded me with a cookie and a glass of milk while I waited for my mom. His kindness still resonates and provides courage to continue my own journey.
1965, Orange County, CA. My next teacher, Rene Bregozzo, was a different story. His expressions of frustrations, anger and hitting my fingers with a pencil often drove me to tears and time-outs. He followed the graded methodology of the "Trinity School of Music, London." My parents suggested I stop taking violin lessons. The problem was that I wanted to continue, but at 10 years old, still didn't have the wherewithalll to suggest getting a different teacher. At 13, I was able to find a new teacher, Mr. Nardulli, who helped me get past my trauma.
Out of curiosity, I recently googled Rene Bregozzo. Learned that he lived to be 101 years old and died in 2007. Apparently, he was also an avid mountain climber who made it his mission to play the violin on many of the peaks he conquered.
My next teacher until 1972 was a Dutch violinist, Adriaans Grotegoed aka "Adrian Holland", in Santa Ana, CA. After drawing number 11 in the Military draft lottery during the Viet Nam war, I was determined to leave the country rather than chance being arrested and jailed. With my violin teacher's connections to the classical music community in the Netherlands, I entered the Royal Conservatory of Music in the Hague in 1974. I studied there until the end of 1978 specializing in baroque violin with Sigiswald Kuijken and modern violin from both Theo Olof and Jacques Holtman.
Without graduating, I moved to Vienna, Austria in 1978 to continue my studies at the Hochschule.There, I started to pick up many freelance jobs. As soon as I secured a position in das Tonkünstler Orchester, Niederösterreich, I was so busy so I dropped out of the Hochschule. In hindsight, this was foolish.
Nevertheless, the ensuing 3 years were filled with unforgettable musical and cultural experiences both in Europe and Asia. Imagine participating in an all-Haydn program on his birthday in the same hall he performed for Prince Esterhazy in the Palace at Eisenstadt. Or, playing a Schubert program in a church where Schubert himself performed!
Freelancing without a college or conservatory diploma does not sustain the type of career and future I yearned for. After much soul searching, home beckoned. I returned to California and obtained my BS degree in Computer Science from UCI in 1987. Until I retired in 2016, I enjoyed a very rewarding R/D career at HP and Marvell Semiconductor while still finding plenty of opportunities to play chamber music.
In 2017, I became a member of the Salem Symphony Orchestra which sadly folded after it's first season. It was actually a respectfully good orchestra ending the season with Joshua Bell performing the Bruch Violin Concerto and Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate. Ever since, I often travel to Europe visiting friends and playing chamber music along the way. What's to regret?
At rehearsal with das Tonkünstler Orchester, Niederösterreich, 1979
Musical Roots
My father, Ben Paul, was a violinist and composer in Chicago. He later received a Masters in Physics and soon thereafter founded an aerospace company which developed the first commercially available passenger airbags.
My maternal grandmother, Stella Schwarz, grew up in Vienna, Austria and Nürnberg, Germany with her 2 brothers, Konrad und Erich Schwarzbaum. Before moving to Munich in 1920, Konrad played violin with the Burgtheater Orchester in Vienna, Austria while Erich focused on the saxophone and drums. They founded Germany´s first ever jazz band in Munich in 1924. Before I was aware of my great uncle´s connections in Vienna, coincidentally, I had also picked up gigs with the Burgtheater Orchester.
My great uncles, Konrad on violin and Erich on the drums. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of "Papa Benz" nightclub, Munich, Oct 27, 1925
Konrad Schwarzbaum addressed to my grandmother, Stella, Vienna, Austria, sometime before 1920.
My Lessons - Method/Philosophy
My method can be described as "Old School" which is primarily shaped by how I learned but without the intimadation and negativity which I find to be counter-productive. Making music is my unrelenting guiding light. Proper technique enables the student to make music. Whether old school or Suzuki, method is the means, not the end.
Every human is built a little differently but what remains constant are Newton's laws of Physics dictating how to control tone, rhythm, dynamics, articulation and proper pitch. As your teacher, my job is to become familiar enough with your unique characteristics to enable you to realize musical expression. The ideal mental image for the student to experience the beauty of physical energy flowing in an unbroken circle to realize your musical expression.
In short, "always make music" is my mantra. It is far more enjoyable for both player and listener to play a simple scale musically than attempting to perform a piece that is too difficult.
Making Live Music Nourishes the Soul of the Community
Human beings are social animals and music making is an integral part of every community. Practicing at home is needed, but it will never compare to the satisfaction of playing with like minded folks. It enriches the community while it nurtures the soul. Always seek out these opportunities because they are out there.
FEES
Fees are structured to accommodate every individual's needs as best as possible whether a player is a small child jor an aspiring professional wanting in depth guidance. A child may only have the attention span of 15-20 minutes, so it makes sense to schedule just 20 minutes and charge less than a serious student needing a full hour. I will work out arrangements with anyone who wants to learn regardless of their ability to pay.
