Anna Wallace
violin
Hometown: Hilliard, OH
Alma maters: McGill University, BM 2022; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, MM 2024, AD 2026
Photo credit
Appearances
Festival Napa Valley, 2026; National Orchestral Institute, 2026; Lancaster Festival, 2025; Next Festival of Emerging Artists, 2025; Madeline Island Chamber Music, 2023; Domaine Forget International Festival, 2019, 2022; Garth Newel Music Center, 2021, 2024
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
All of my private violin teachers throughout my life have had a significant impact on me in my development as a musician, but my teacher in my undergraduate years, Violaine Melançon, fundamentally changed the way in which I approached the violin. I felt like she had a clear answer for how to execute every technique, and it made me feel that no piece of music was completely out of my reach. After years of working to develop my technique, I could finally start to play music the way I heard it in my head because I could focus more on the music itself, rather than only struggling with difficult technical challenges. She also helped me realize that technical challenges are part of music making, and that part of the satisfaction is problem solving. After studying with her, I definitely approach practicing from a place of curiosity!
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
My decision to become a musician was something that slowly built up over time. I started learning the violin at the age of six in a Suzuki program, and throughout my formative years I had countless opportunities to perform alongside my friends and I learned the power of forming meaningful connections with others through learning, performing, and sharing music. It was incredibly inspiring to watch older students thrive on stage in solo or in chamber performances, and every time I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to do that too. I knew from a relatively young age that music was what I had to do with my life, because nothing else was as satisfying on such a deep, emotional level.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
I heard about TŌN through friends that were already in the program. I wanted to apply because I loved how well-rounded and intensive the program was, and I felt like it could prepare me well for a career as a multi-disciplinary musician!
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
I would like to see more efforts being made in making concerts feel more accessible for everyone. There are many different types of audiences and I think orchestras can offer more diverse experiences rather than just the traditional idea of a typical concert. This is starting to happen already, but I think we can go further and be even more creative in order to appeal to as many people as possible! I think if people feel that the spaces we create are ones where they belong, they will want to keep coming back.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
In the summer before I started with TŌN, I had the privilege of performing as a section principal with the National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall with Marin Alsop and Time for Three, who were musicians I had long idolized before performing with this orchestra. It was also my first time performing in this hall, and the program was full of incredible pieces of music including Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story Symphonic Dances and Kevin Puts’s Contact. It was genuinely a magical performance, and I remember feeling immensely sad on stage thinking about how it would soon be over. It was one of the best performances of my life.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
I received a grant from the Garth Newel Music Center to put on one of my original concert ideas consisting of an eclectic mix of acoustic and electric instruments and 20th century classical and American popular music all tied to a central theme, including one of my own musical arrangements. It was incredibly satisfying to bring this to life and to put on a performance that I had never seen done before.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
People who dedicate themselves to teaching young kids: it’s an incredibly difficult, but noble job. I also greatly respect everyone who works behind the scenes. Performers work very hard to do what they do, but there would be no performances without those who work tirelessly for months to make them happen.
Can you share any memorable onstage mishaps?
During the first orchestra concert of my master’s degree, my shoulder rest fell off my violin onto the stage, and the pieces holding it together bounced away from me. Unfortunately, it was during a pretty quiet moment near the beginning of the concert, and even more unfortunately, I couldn’t see where the pieces went. Since I had to play the rest of the concert without a shoulder rest, it led to me being overly self-aware of how I was holding the instrument, which is uncomfortable in its own way.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
I listen to a lot of non-classical music, but especially rock: some of my favorite bands include Led Zeppelin, Alice in Chains, Heart, Metallica, Peach Pit, and Wolf Alice.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
I’d probably still be doing something in a creative field, like writing or visual art.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
The violin is extremely versatile in terms of what it can add to an ensemble. It isn’t just a melodic instrument, it can be a rhythmic/percussive instrument and it works very well in many non-classical settings!
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Listen to as much music as you possibly can, and be extremely patient and kind with yourself as you learn. It’s easy to want to rush to the destination, but the real joy of music lies in the process. Rather than getting frustrated with not feeling like you are where you “should” be, learn to be proud and happy with where you are in the present and the progress you have made thus far, and be excited at the idea of your growth that’s yet to come!