Alumni Reflection: Yared Charry (SFS ’22) interviews violin teacher Philip Hough

As we look ahead to Spring and the end of the school year, we’ll be sharing reflections from years past by students (now alumni), teachers, and family. This is a Q&A with SFS 2022 graduating senior, Yared Charry and his violin teacher, Philip Hough. During this interview, Yared and Mr. Hough both pose questions to each other and reflect on their work together over the years. Yared began studying with Mr. Hough at age 7 in 2012, and in 2022 he graduated from LaGuardia High School.

YC: What is something you have learned through teaching me?

PH: Teaching you has reminded me of the importance of treating each student as a unique individual. I admire your need to think for yourself. It makes lessons an enjoyable exploration and allows me to see repertoire in a new light.

YC: What piece or pieces did you enjoy teaching me the most?

PH: Definitely Bach, especially the slow movement of the Bach Violin Concerto in A minor (Book VII) and now the Gavotte en Rondeau from the E Major Partita for solo violin.

YC: On our long journey, how did you know when to support my decision not to play a particular piece?

PH: I always remember John Kendall’s advice that advanced students do their best when given a say in the choice of repertoire. However, at the early levels, it is important to build a secure foundation, as you did, by going through all of the Suzuki materials in sequence.

PH: What are some of the Suzuki pieces you have particularly enjoyed?

YC: I have enjoyed going back to the Veracini Gigue from Book V, and I always love playing the Bach Double.

PH: I noticed you played viola in the recent SFS chamber music recital. How do you feel about the viola?

YC: I have come to really appreciate the viola. It was tough at first, learning to read the alto clef but the viola has taken me in new directions on my musical journey. I play viola in the Senior Orchestra at the LaGuardia High School which would have never happened if I did not know how to play the viola.

PH: What have you learned about practicing at the School for Strings?

YC: Practicing has been emphasized since my first year at SFS. My parents and my teachers used Suzuki’s saying, “You only need to practice on the days that you eat.” This idea has been ingrained in me since the beginning. Every day I try to make time to practice even if I don’t feel in the mood. It is essential for progress.

PH: What do you plan to do with violin after SFS?

YC: I will continue practicing violin and viola avidly. I am also looking for a way to expand my musical experience. I want to learn more advanced pieces and explore new genres of music through the violin and viola. I want to play in a mariachi band and play Latin American music, music that will help me discover my cultural roots. I also want to continue playing chamber music in college and learn new instruments as well.

PH: Yared, is there anything you would do differently if you could go back?

YC: I would tell my younger self to believe in himself more. Musical talent is not something everyone has, but now I see how far I’ve come. I appreciate the violin and viola, and I thank my parents for finding SFS and SFS for placing me with Mr. Hough. Through our work together, I have grown both as a musician and as a human being!

PH: Thank you, Yared.