Rick Dolan
Q : How were you first attracted to music? How many years have you played?
A : I was 3 1/2 years old when I asked my parents for a violin. I don't remember asking them, but I do remember receiving it. From that point forward, I have always loved playing the violin.
Q : What's your favorite part of being a musician?
A : I did not have the opportunity to study the foundations of Baroque Music style until I went to the University of Liverpool for a graduate program. Studies of Early Music in England were more abundant and I learned much in that year from my Professor of Music, Michael Talbot and my colleague Paul Everett. They taught me the technique of editing early works. My project was dedicated to the Italian composer and violinist Carlo Zuccari. Thus began my progressive interest in the musical practices of this era.
Q : Is there a musical instrument that you adore? A certain brand? Why?
A : When I finally acquired a Baroque violin and bow, the journey turned into a fascinating experience of which I still learn new material. My current Baroque violin is by the fine luthier Michiel De Hoog.
Q : Would you share a tip on how to balance life's responsibilities with what you love to do (such as playing music)?
A : The balance between life and music has always been quite a challenge, especially when I moved to NYC to study at Juilliard for my Masters Degree. In order to pay for tuition and my living expenses, I worked as a chef on weekends at a restaurant named 'Once Upon a Stove'.
Having grown up working in my father's restaurant gave me the necessary skills to do this job. The challenge was to find ample practice time to keep up with the demands of the graduate program. After graduating, finding work was always front and center. It included symphonic and chamber music jobs as well as weddings, recording sessions and Broadway.
Q : Is there some other information that you would like people to know about you?
