Temporary Address

1460 University Drive

TYLER GARNER
(301)660-0456
Permanent Address
jgarner11@su.edu

Winchester, VA 22601
One might not readily find musical inspiration from a source as childish as a
video game, however that is precisely what compelled me to seek out the
violin. A character of significance in this game had the role of maintaining
order in the world by ceaselessly offering up prayer through playing the
violin. I wanted to emulate this characters playing and inherent will to
good. Therefore, at a young age I felt the drive to pursue the violin, but
waited until I was older to seriously delve into my studies.
I was advised not only to diligently practice, but listen to the music I was
playing, a novel idea to me at the time. However, when I finally gave it a
chance, I was profoundly moved. The first work that I listened to was
Beethoven Violin Concerto played by Jascha Heifetz. After listening to the
rondo movement, the first word that came out of my mouth was, wow.
From that point on I was enraptured.
Years later, I knew that if I wanted to pursue a career in the violin, it would
be necessary to study the instrument on a collegiate level. I was
immediately exposed to methods of pedagogy that would continue to guide
my life as a musician. Additionally, I learned how to utilize in my individual
practice, the skills taught in each applied lesson. As a student, I acquired
the skills and ability to maturely, professionally cooperate with other
musicians within chamber music and orchestral settings.
While at Shenandoah University, in addition to knowledge about
collaborating, I have obtained a comparably significant amount of
knowledge about playing the violin as a soloist. I have learned that
performing as a soloist and performing in an orchestra are entirely
different. Aside from the fact that one involves playing with a section and
one involves playing a completely unique part, playing the violin as a soloist
requires a different attitude, skillset, and personality than does orchestral
playing. In an orchestra, one must be able to perfectly assimilate
themselves into their section and play with near perfect synchronization, all
while being completely aware of what everyone else in the orchestra is also
playing. As a soloist, you are meant to stand out and thus you have much
more expressive freedom than the violinist playing in a section. The attitude
of a soloist must be much different from a section violinist too. A soloist
must have a bold attitude that is not timid or shy- an assertive attitude. A

Temporary Address
1460 University Drive

TYLER GARNER
(301)660-0456
Permanent Address
jgarner11@su.edu

Winchester, VA 22601
section violinist must be humble enough to realize they are part of a
machine and are not the center of attention.

Temporary Address
1460 University Drive

TYLER GARNER
(301)660-0456
Permanent Address
jgarner11@su.edu

Winchester, VA 22601
1) Why the violin? What got you here? Your story
I love the sound of the violin and its incredible ability to convey and express
a wide variety of human emotions. Oddly enough, a video game is what first
inspired me to start playing violin and then later, my discovery of the
violinist Jascha Heifetz is what compelled me to strive towards the
possibility of being a soloist or at least a professional violinist.
2) SU- things you learned
At SU, I learned how to really collaborate with others in ensemble settings
such as in chamber music and orchestra. I also learned how to develop my
own personal sound as a soloist.
3) Why the Masters?
I want to pursue a masters degree in performance to refine my skills and
prepare myself as much as possible before I enter into many competitions
within the next few years.
4) Your skillset as a musician
The violin has an incredible ability to convey and express a wide variety of
human emotions.
I am very good at leading and expressing my ideas but am also sensitive to
the expressed musical and pedagogical ideas of others that I am working
with. Solo violin playing is where I feel most at home though.
5) How the two work together
In being a soloist, one must have the assertive personality to convey what
they desire musically, but must also have the humility to accept the ideas of
the conductor. Also, as being only a soloist for a living is an occupation that
very few are able to obtain, being able to play in chamber groups and
orchestras is also a necessary attribute.
6) Future career goals/closing

Temporary Address
1460 University Drive

TYLER GARNER
(301)660-0456
Permanent Address
jgarner11@su.edu

Winchester, VA 22601
I have a desire to be a member of the Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius
in Chicago, and to study to become a Roman Catholic priest, while using my
talent to assist at St. John Cantius Church by playing in their orchestra for
their liturgical music.