My Journey to Becoming a Professional Violinist: From Dream to Reality 🎻
Happy anniversary to me! It's incredible that I've been playing the violin for 30 years—basically, my entire life. Recently, on the way back from recording our first CD with my string quartet, I found myself in a reflective mood. Many dreams from my girlhood have seamlessly woven into my reality. Amidst the constant pursuit of progress, I realized I hadn't paused to appreciate how far I've come.
I can't recall the first time I touched a violin or learned to bow, but memories of little violinist me seeing bunnies on my mother's bike en route to my lessons and climbing endless stairs linger. At age 2 (and a half!), my parents enrolled me in violin lessons—a stroke of luck. Supportive parents, a fantastic teacher from age 5 to 18, and the flexibility to leave school early for lessons all contributed to my journey.
I wasn't the typical prodigy. Until age 12, my teacher, Coosje Wijzenbeek, considered me an amateur, emphasizing the transition from playing for self-pleasure to performing for others. Around 12, a shift occurred—I learned how to practice, became self-aware, and felt the drive to excel. Competing nationally, losing at 12, and winning two years later marked a pivotal moment.
Between 14-18, I chose violin first, dreaming nightly of a life as a world-traveling violinist. Idolizing Janine Jansen fueled my aspirations. Progressing steadily, I entered the conservatory in Amsterdam at 18, the beginning of a winding path.
Amsterdam sparked a desire to explore further. Winning the 3rd prize in the National Violin Competition of the Netherlands heightened both pride and anxiety. Then came London—massive change, new experiences, and fresh inspiration. However, navigating London's competition and pressure took time.
Post-studies involved years of searching—saying yes to diverse projects, paid and unpaid. I discovered my passion for chamber music, the financial stability of being a concertmaster, and the dislike of relinquishing musical control. Lessons learned during this period proved invaluable, shaping my resilience for future challenges.
In 2022, my quartet won the 1st prize at the ARD competition in Munich, signaling a turning point. Today, we navigate a larger sea, making decisions that may lead to new heights.
And here I am, a version of my past selves—a girl with dreams, a city dweller, and the toddler who yearned to play the violin. There's much more to experience and explore. This year, I plan to reflect, uncover my true self, set new goals, and embark on exciting new paths.