"At the heart of everything I do is a simple truth: I love making music with the violin. My general philosophy—whether in music or life—is that whatever you do, have fun and find joy.

Ask any of my colleagues, and they’ll tell you: few people work harder or spend more hours preparing music than I do. But here’s the key—because I dedicate so much time to preparation, I’m able to fully enjoy those first rehearsals and performances. I'm not worried about whether I know the notes, rhythms, or bowings—that work has already been done. The preparation frees me to be present, to be expressive, and to have fun making music.

This is the approach I strive to instill in all my students. Put in the work during practice. Focus on details until you feel truly confident. Set goals—long, medium, and short term—and work steadily toward them. That way, when it’s time to perform, you can enjoy it. Performing becomes a celebration of all your hard work.

A highly accomplished violinist and educator, Roger F is the longtime (retired) Associate Concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra, former Artist-in-Residence at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, and a past faculty member at the University of Minnesota. He holds a Master of Music degree from Indiana University and has built a diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, teacher, and orchestral performer.

Now dedicated full-time to teaching, Roger F continues to maintain an active performance schedule in both solo and chamber music settings. He is widely respected for his expertise in both performance and pedagogy, with students holding positions in major orchestras across the U.S. and Europe. He is also the author of "The Orchestra Audition: How to Prepare" and frequently leads audition preparation seminars around the world." less...