Nick Revel
When the opportunity arose to choose an instrument in third grade, I thought that the cello was too low and boomy and the violin was too high and squeaky, so I went for the middle ground. I was so excited and curious I took the instrument home every day the first week and learned how to play “Hot Cross Buns” on my own, with the bow, which was strictly forbidden by the teacher. Thankfully my family and teachers encouraged my enthusiasm, and with a great deal of practice and support, in 2004 I wound up at the Eastman School of Music for my undergraduate degree in viola performance.
Since then I’ve discovered a deep joy in performing for all kinds of audiences in all kinds of venues, from concert halls to clubs to Times Square (with my contemporary viola duo Folie à Deux) and even on an Alaskan cruise ship! I’ve even had the privilege to play in Carnegie Hall with my improvising string quartet, PUBLIQuartet. I’ve had incredible experiences studying and performing music all over the world including in Berlin, Tokyo, Banff, and all across the US. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with amazing artists and groups like Björk, Paquito D’Rivera, Billy Childs, the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), and tuba legend Bob Stewart.
Through all of these thrilling experiences, for which I am so grateful, I have carved a musical path for myself that I am eager to share with the world. In the last several years have I learned that my desire to share the joy of performing with others can also come through teaching music.
I’ve enjoyed many years of teaching chamber music and improvisation at the Norwalk Youth Symphony, Achievement First Middle School, and the Talent Education Suzuki School, where I co-designed a theory curriculum that I currently implement in group classes. Over the years I’ve also taught dozens of students privately. In my teaching I employ various methods and self-awareness practices that I’ve learned as an artist, including the Suzuki Method, Alexander Technique, meditation, and Madeline Bruser’s The Art of Practicing. I aspire to offer my students not just high quality instrumental technique, but a deeper understanding of mind and body, discipline, problem-solving, organization, time management, and self-expression. Watching students learn skills that they have practiced and developed over time is enormously gratifying to me. I feel as though I'm having deeply positive and long-lasting impact on their lives.
Photo credit: Ryan Scherb