My daughter, who is now seven, has been studying the violin for almost three years. Time truly flies! She has developed a deep love for playing the violin and being surrounded by the beautiful sounds of classical music. I believe that this love is key to cultivating discipline in her craft. When you genuinely love what you're doing, practicing becomes a joy rather than a burden. Her journey with music began when she was just 11 months old, attending live performances by @Libitum in Katong. Since then, she has enjoyed many musical performances including the harp, opera and of course orchestras. Music is an integral part of her life.

Another way I have inspired my daughter is by introducing her to great artists and their music. While many Suzuki violin students are already familiar with Hilary Hahn through the Suzuki recordings, exploring her wider repertoire is truly awe-inspiring. My daughter's violin teacher in Sydney always recommends watching Hilary Hahn for her beautiful violin posture alone.

So, without further ado, I present to you five classical violin artists who may cultivate your child's love and appreciation for classical music.

1. Itzhak Perlman: Renowned for his virtuosity and expressive playing, Perlman possesses a warm and lyrical tone that captivates listeners of all ages. Introducing your child to Perlman's performances can help them appreciate the beauty and emotional depth of violin music. Personally, Perlman is my ultimate favourite. His music often lingers in my mind, haunting me throughout the night. He truly is a magician with the violin.

2. Hilary Hahn: Known for her technical brilliance and versatility, Hahn has a captivating stage presence and a wide-ranging repertoire. Listening to her performances exposes your child to various musical styles and eras. Hahn's passionate and precise playing can inspire young listeners to explore the violin's full potential. And of course, pay attention to her beautiful violin posture.

3. Ray Chen: Celebrated for his exceptional technique and charismatic stage presence, Ray Chen brings a fresh and vibrant energy to his performances. His interpretations of classical works showcase his musicality and virtuosity, making him a captivating violinist to introduce to your child. Chen's dynamic and engaging style can inspire a sense of excitement and passion for the violin. And here’s a bit of trivia: did you know Ray Chen studied the violin using the Suzuki Method? He sure did :)

4. Anne-Sophie Mutter: Renowned for her dynamic and intense performances, Mutter brings a unique energy and interpretation to the violin repertoire. Exposing your child to Mutter's bold and fearless playing can foster a sense of exploration and encourage them to approach the violin with creativity and passion.

5. Midori Goto: A versatile violinist known for her musical maturity and captivating performances, Midori Goto has been captivating audiences since a young age. She combines technical brilliance with emotional depth, and her commitment to musical education is evident in her advocacy for young musicians. Introducing your child to Midori Goto's performances can inspire them and instill a sense of dedication and love for the violin.

While I initially mentioned five violinists, I am also compelled to mention two younger performers who my daughter adores: Christian Li from Melbourne and Chloe Chua from Singapore. Both were winners of the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists in 2018, and witnessing their performances will surely make you understand why.

Each of these artists represents a diverse range of playing styles and interpretations. Listening to their recordings or watching their live performances (preferably) allows your child to explore different approaches to violin performance. Through their music, your child can discover the beauty and expressive power of the violin, nurturing their appreciation for classical music and fuelling their own musical aspirations.

Love, Mei-Ling x