Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Fine.
Hi Stephen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Gainesville and have lived here for most of my life. When I was very little I started studying violin with the legendary teacher, Sonnhild F. Kitts. Mrs. Kitts was a German immigrant with degrees in violin and piano from the Folkwangschule für Musik, Tanz und Sprechen. After performing for several seasons with the Indianapolis Symphony, she became an early adopter of the Suzuki Method, and so I grew up, from age 4-18, a member of the Gainesville Suzuki Players.
When I was in 8th grade, Mrs. Kitts recommended me for my first teaching job, and that’s how I started teaching violin to the mom and three children of the Weingart family. In high school, I was hired to coach a string quartet, and I was principal second violin of the Alachua County Youth Orchestra for years. I got a degree in Viola Performance from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, and I worked as a violin and piano teacher for a music studio in Colony, TX and taught a little for the public school system there. I won summer teaching fellowships at the Brevard Music Festival and the Heifetz Institute.
After I finished my master’s degree at the San Francisco Conservatory, I lived and taught in New York, where I attended SUNY Stony Brook working on a doctorate that I never finished. Three years into my studies there I was hired as the (adjunct) Professor of Viola at the University of Florida where I taught for 6 years. The adjunct position I had was eliminated and rather than continue on in academia, I hung out my shingle and have been teaching privately ever since. I teach violin and viola to people of all ages, and it is such a joy.
In addition to my teaching, I perform on viola with the Trinity Alps Chamber Music Festival, the Southwest Chamber Music Festival, and the Gainesville Orchestra.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The classical music world is extremely competitive, driven by the pursuit of perfection. Students are expected to spend hours alone in the practice room every single day, and I struggled to focus as a kid. And then when I did succeed, won coveted spots in elite programs, I always discovered players younger than me and better than me. It hasn’t led to imposter syndrome, but only because I came to terms with it when I was young myself.
So, my own road has been basically smooth. I was extremely well-trained by my own teachers, my students have always loved me and succeeded, I charge what I feel is a lot of money in Gainesville, Florida and no one complains, I have the respect of my colleagues in town which means a lot to me, and I have a rich family life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A substantial part of my career has been bringing classical music to beautiful places that don’t usually have access. Spots as remote as Gila, New Mexico or Hyampom, California bring out enthusiastic audiences. There’s often someone there who’s hearing a string quartet live for the first time. It means long drives and relatively low pay, but oftentimes the scenery and the food are world class, and I’ve really grown to love the rural audiences.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I get asked to perform and record with rock bands and singer-songwriters with some frequency, it’s a lot of fun for me. I also get hired to perform chamber music and orchestra sets. If my schedule is open, I always consider proposals for collaboration. But I do like to prioritize my teaching schedule.
Pricing:
- $80/hr teaching violin & viola
- $100-$200/hr performance
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.stfine.com
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@stfine
