Join us in celebrating the winter with our students’ music!
Featuring New Mozart Private Lesson Students
Dec 12. Saturday
12 pm. 2 pm. 4 pm. 6 pm.
Dec 13. Sunday
12 pm. 2 pm. 4 pm. 6 pm.
New Mozart Graduates - Class of 2021
This month, we are featuring some of New Mozart's recent graduates. It has been an honor to witness their growth and we are so proud of every one of our graduates! Click on the student's name to read what s/her is doing next.
Maya Franz made music with us for 4 years in Teacher Diane's studio (voice). She is a freshman at Yale University.
Lauren Yen made music with us for 12 years. Harmony Road and Dr. Alexander (piano). She is a freshman at the University of Washington.
Eli Crystal made music with us for 11 years in Teacher Olga's studio (violin). He is a freshman at the University of Oregon.
Adam Friedland made music with us for 15 years. Harmony Road and Dr. Alexander's studio (piano). He is a freshman at Reed College.
Nina Hunt made music with us for 10 years in Teacher Vincent's studio (guitar). She is a freshman at Cornell University.
Congratulations to New Mozart Class of 2021!
Student Highlight - Matias Velasquez.
1. What is your name and how old are you?
My name is Matias Velasquez, and I am 13 years old.
2. How long have you been studying piano and how old were you when you first started?
I’ve been studying piano for over 7 years now, and I started when I was 5 years old. Many of the teachers back on the East Coast didn’t think that it was a good idea to start me at such a young age, but one of the teachers did. I apparently sat through that first one hour class, and it all started from there.
3. What instrument are you studying now, and who is your teacher?
I am practicing the piano, and my teacher is Dr. Illias. He’s been a great mentor for me for the three years that I’ve worked with him. He allows me to make choices about my music and what pieces or composers I want to explore or learn about. We do a lot of music theory, and also work on the pieces that I’m preparing for upcoming recitals.
4. What pieces are you currently working on?
I am working on some pieces of my own, and some classical works. I played “Come on over” in the past recital, which I made up during a school music class. I am also working on the Gnossienne No.1 by Eric Satie, and the Lacrimosa by Mozart.
5. How often do you practice?
Every day for at least 45 mins. I also spend time listening to songs and trying to play them on the piano.
6. Tell us about some of your recent accomplishments.
I was the music director for my school’s theater production, and I conducted the orchestra for a different play. I loved conducting, but it took me a while to get better at it! I composed the overture for the play that I was music director for, and I really enjoyed that experience.
6. Why do you love music?
Music is an essential part of my life. It is something that I can go to if I’m bored, stressed, or just in the mood to play the piano. I want to improve my technique, make it as good as possible and continue growing.
7. What are some things you like doing besides music?
I like playing soccer, caring for my saltwater fish tank, and playing basketball. I also love reading and playing video games.
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I think that one never stops growing. You always keep improving and becoming a better version of yourself. I can do lots of different things and I will always continue to follow my interests. If I had to give some advice to others about music, I would just tell them to keep practicing deliberately, and you can achieve whatever you want to play, write, or sing.