Get to know Mobile Music Lessons faculty member Rebecca Vieker! Learn more about her on our faculty page. Read more faculty spotlights on our blog.
Q: How did you get started playing your instrument(s)?
A: When I was 4, my parents showed me a picture of a violin and asked if I wanted to learn how to play. I thought I was looking at a picture of a guitar, so I happily agreed (I had been asking for guitar lessons for a couple months at that point). Although I felt slightly hoodwinked for the first couple weeks of violin lessons, I quickly got over it and have been happily playing the violin ever since! I started piano lessons a few years later and added viola in high school.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece or composer, and why are they your favorite?
A: Although I also love some newer composers (Missy Mazzoli and Nico Muhly are worth checking out!), I’ve always come back to the music of J.S. Bach. I grew up
singing and playing his cantatas and when I was older, I started playing his Cello Suites and Violin Partitas (on the viola of course). I appreciate how his music can sound so beautifully simple, yet underneath it is quite complicated and masterfully composed.
Q: Why is music so important to you?
A: Music has been a constant in my life since I was young. It has helped me meet lifelong friends and develop important life skills. I’m thankful that I’ve had the privilege to study music for so much of my life and make it my career!
Q: Tell us about your teaching philosophy.
A: My goal as an educator is to encourage my students to cultivate a love and appreciation for music while also fostering in them important skills such as critical thinking and perseverance. By encouraging my students to find enjoyment and satisfaction through their musical education, I hope to help them develop a lifelong love of music, whether as listeners and supporters of the arts or as musicians themselves.
Q: Why are you happy to be a part of Mobile Music Lessons?
A: It’s been great to be a part of such a lovely community of music teachers. I moved to Des Moines recently, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know some other fabulous music teachers in the area.