Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan Avant.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Joan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started playing violin when I was 11 years old. I grew up in East Texas, and took private lessons and played in the school orchestra there. I realized I wanted to pursue music seriously. So when the time came I relocated to the metroplex to attend the University of North Texas. I finished their Bachelor of Music as well as their Master of Arts degrees there. When school was finished I got married and moved to Dallas (Lakewood). I realized pretty quickly if I was going to do anything with my music it would have to be entrepreneurial February of 2008 I started Joan’s Violin Lessons.
Slowly but surely I built my private studio with lovely students. This year Joan’s Violin lessons is celebrating 10 years. I teach 5-year-olds and up! And by up I mean beginning adults who have always wanted to play the violin. I ended up having a rather large percentage of adult students, so three years ago we formed “Fiddler’s Club.” We meet once a month to play in ensemble form. All students, of course, prepare for my big Spring Recital. I enjoy helping my middle school and high school students prepare for competitions, auditions, chair tests, and concerts!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Getting a steady stream of students, especially when starting off was difficult. But over time, it started to build.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I teach in my home studio accompanied by my little Maltese (Samantha). Everyone feels at home when they meet me. I like a wide variety of different kinds of music, and I encourage my students to try these with their violin. There is no rigid conservatory feel here. I love empowering my students with knowledge of music theory so they can one day play anything. Our Fiddler’s Club meets once a month, and we usually take a student’s request for what piece they want to work on next.
What were you like growing up?
I was pretty shy and serious as a youngster. From 5th grade on, I knew I wanted to be a musician. I loved going to the symphony and watched the movie Amadeus on repeat.
Contact Info:
- Website: Joansviolinlessons.com
- Phone: 469-258-9918
- Email: Joanavant@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Light Of Dusk Photography (Stephanie Bryant)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
