Mary West 1909-2007
In her 50 years of violin teaching, Mary West set consistently high standards. She said she didn’t expect all her students to become professional violinists; she just expected them to play like professionals. And they did. Mary West’s students routinely won competitions at all levels. They entered prestigious music schools and universities and now have performing and teaching careers, from local freelancers to orchestras as far away as Australia. And those who have careers outside music still value the life skills Mary taught them — anything is possible if you practice, practice, practice.
Mary’s genius was her knowledge of student personalities that allowed her to challenge without overwhelming, her strategies for helping students practice effectively, and her mastery at finding the technical problem that was preventing the student from playing better.
After study at the Kansas City Conservatory and The Juilliard School, Mary had a successful performing and touring career on the east coast in the 1930s. Mary and her sister Virginia performed for President Roosevelt in the White House in 1938. Mary was emeritus Professor of Violin at the University of Minnesota and taught at MacPhail Center for Music for over 30 years. She received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the Schubert Club, the Special Service Award from MacPhail, and the Master Teacher Award from MN ASTA. In 2006, ASTA presented Mary with the Marvin J. Rabin Community Service Award for her “significant contribution to the community through teaching and leadership.”
MNSOTA is proud to name our state Solo Competition in Mary West’s honor.
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