Annette is the founder of Prelude Strings.  She earned a B.A. music degree, studying violin, from Brigham Young University.  After moving to Orange County, CA and doing a bit of informal research, she determined the community needed a string orchestra for students as young as eight years old.  Prelude String Orchestra began in 1994 as a 10 week class through the Tustin parks and recreation department.  Eight violinists and two cellists attended the audition and all were accepted.  Currently, enrollment is capped at about 120 students divided between three string ensembles: Prelude String Orchestra, Prelude Sinfonia and Prelude Chamber Strings. At the 20th anniversary concert a colleague said, "Amazing that you have been doing this for 20 years!"  Her response, "I just kept showing up."  That's her philosophy.  Just keep showing up.  Keep trying.  She studied violin pedagogy extensively and is now retired from a 30 year teaching career. In addition to her position with Prelude Strings, she works full time for Marriott International.

Quote Journal:

Some people only dream of meeting their favorite violinists, I teach mine.

Be kinder than necessary.  Everyone you meet is facing some type of battle.

I was made to work. If you are equally industrious, you will be equally successful. J. S. Bach

We’re developing the ability to set goals and self-monitor progress towards them. Prioritize. Manage time. Be patient. Persevere, and develop a high tolerance for frustration. Become self-motivated. Solve complex problems. Concentrate. Focus. And remain resilient in the face of setbacks and adversity.  Nao Kageyama

“Art isn’t about finding inspiration, it is about discipline. Through this discipline and production of work, you become inspired and inspiring to those around you.”
—Nina K. Fitzpatrick

"I think every child has a natural talent for music, every young person can play an instrument, learn to sing, and dance. Maybe it leads to a career, maybe it becomes a lifelong passion alongside other things; the point if that the gift of music is for everyone, not just for those like me." Gustavo Dudamel, Music Director, Los Angeles Philharmonic

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.

"Talent can be equated with promise, but you've got to do something with
that promise. You need to have the discipline to really work at what you
do." -- Itzhak Perlman

To send light into the darkness of the men’s ears – such in the duty of the artist. – R. Schumann

To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable. – Ludwig von Beethoven

Talent counts for much, but effort counts for more. - John Singer Sargent

How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. - Robert Brault

Excellence is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle

Slow practice-fast progress.
Fast practice-slow progress.
No practice-no progress.

Benefits from musical study:

Self-esteem
Discipline
Perseverance
Diligence
Responsibility
Confidence
Respect for others and self
Give and receive praise
Give and receive constructive criticism
Attention to detail
Intellectual development
Forgiveness
Emotional maturity
Humility
Value of repetition
Appreciation of the Arts
Value of the Arts in society
Work ethic
Delayed gratification
Multi-tasking
Memorization
Learning to set goals
Focus 
Problem Solving – learning to break down a problem into manageable steps
Cooperation
Awareness of beauty
Sensitivity
Fine motor skills
Stage presence/poise
Sharing oneself
Sharing music
Socialization
Personal enrichment
Consideration and support of peers
Respect
Tolerance
Self-expression
Self-identity
Following directions
Preparation
Think first, then act
Self-motivation
Time management
Concentration
Joy of Mastery

When it comes to violin, what is more important than talent? Here are a few things:

• Tenacity

• Practice

• Patience

• Attention to detail

• Accuracy

• Time

• Devotion

• Support and encouragement from family or peers

• Opportunities to perform

• Opportunities to play with others

• Role models

• Inspiration

• Quality instrument

• Quality instruction

• Courage to fail

• Courage to succeed

-      Laurie Niles