On the Suzuki Program, studying music in college, and her Prelude Orchestra
The FSYO is lucky to house 4 diversely talented conductors for our 4 orchestras. In this series, Conductor's Corner, we'll sit down with each of our conductors, and learn more about their individual talents, and their history with the FSYO.
Elizabeth Hicklin is the Prelude Orchestra Conductor, an FSYO alumni, and a recent Suzuki Registered teacher. FSYO sat down with her to learn more about her experience. Read her full bio here.
FSYO: When did you first join FSYO? What about this program interested you?
Elizabeth Hicklin: I joined the FSYO in 1989 as a sixth grade violinist. I honestly do not remember what exactly interested me the most except most of my friends were joining! Back then there were only 2 orchestras called Orchestra I and Orchestra II. I was last chair 2nd violin my first year and by the time I graduated I was concert master of the Chamber Orchestra and Assistant Concert Master of Orchestra I!
FSYO: What inspired you to study music in college? What was it like being a Music Major? Any advice to students who are about to audition for Music programs this Fall?
EH: I have played the violin since I was in the 1st grade. It was my life all throughout school and I could not think of any other way but to major in music in college. I started out as a violin performance major. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I realized I really wanted to teach when I graduated, so I made the change to music education. Being a music major was a LOT of work! I took 20-22 hours a semester and practiced and rehearsed nonstop! It was a blast! The best thing about being a music major is that you are surrounded by other students who also have the same love and drive as you, so the practicing, rehearsing and classes nonstop do not seem all that bad. We did make time for fun as well!
The only advice I would give students who are auditioning in the fall is to play your best and try not to be nervous. Judges or professors are not hoping you play terrible! They want to hear you play your best. This is your special time to shine! Also, I would try to audition and visit as many schools as possible.
FSYO: You've recently become Suzuki Registered! Congrats! Can you tell our readers more about the Suzuki program?
EH: I had the best time in my Suzuki training! I spent 10 days in St. Petesburg at the Florida Suzuki institute working with Carrie Reuning-Hummel, a well known Suzuki teacher trainer. Dr. Suzuki began the Suzuki method with the idea that every child learns their native language with ease, through emersion and repetition. He then began applying that to music using the “mother-tongue approach”. Suzuki believed in parent involvement, encouragement, constant repetition and an Every Child Can atmosphere. I plan to work with children ages 3-5 as beginners. I’m so excited to work with really young children!
Elizabeth conducting the Prelude orchestra at the Celebration of Music Education Concert on February 10, 2013.
Big thanks to Elizabeth for the interview! Please send her any questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You may also enjoy reading: Conductor's Corner with John Dupuis
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