Sarah Pfister
Q : How were you first attracted to music? How many years have you played?
A : From day one I grew up in a musical household. My father was a singer, teacher and conductor and we listened to and sang music all the time from as early as I can remember. According to my parents, I was drawn to the violin because my older cousin was playing it at the time. I started at about 5 years old and have been playing ever since. So that is about 29 of playing violin. I didn’t start viola until high school so I’ve had about 18 years on viola.
Q : What's your favorite part of being a musician?
A : Being able to create something beautiful and meaningful with and for others.
Q : Is there a musical instrument that you adore? A certain brand? Why?
A : If I had to choose between violin and viola I would probably go with viola. There is just something about the rich sound and depth of the instrument that I have fallen in love with over the years. But sometimes I do prefer the violin when I want to play something lighter and or faster that sparkles more on the violin. Otherwise I don’t have a particular favorite instrument maker but I love the ones I have.
Q : Would you share a tip on how to balance life's responsibilities with what you love to do (such as playing music)?
A : For me it has always been a matter of being disciplined about scheduling my time wisely based on my priorities in order to not burn out and still find joy in what I do. It has also been important for me to learn how to be flexible when my schedule and or priorities need to adjust in different seasons of life.
Q : Do you provide educational lessons, instruct students or volunteer in the community?
A : Yes, I teach private violin and viola lessons through First Baptist Academy of Music in downtown Roanoke. I also am in charge of their Suzuki violin/viola program and lead their early childhood family music class using the Musikgarten curriculum.
Q : Is there some other information that you would like people to know about you?
A :
I played as a member of the Ruse Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra in Ruse Bulgaria for 4 years. I played violin for a portion of the time and then served as principal violist for the second portion of our time there
I started playing viola after applying for a chamber music camp on violin. They were full for violinists but short on violists so they called my private violin teacher to ask if I played viola. She told them I did and at my next lesson she announce I would be learning viola. I had one month to learn how to play the instrument and learn an entire Mendelssohn string quartet. While it was a sudden start, I am so thankful for that opportunity that launched me into the world of viola playing.
While I enjoy performing, my passion is really for teaching and helping budding musicians to “crack the code” so to speak as they learn to play a new instrument, to help them discover their own voice in their playing and learn how to share their gift with others
My husband Kevin is the bassoonist in Roanoque Baroque
Q : I see you serve as a "Principal Violist" for Roanoque Baroque. Would you describe that role?
