Student Spotlight: Peter Crossett

Peter is a viola student at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, IA studying with Christina Mixemong.

Why did you decide to start lessons?

I chose viola because they showed the instruments and I liked the way it sounded. Not too high and not too low. 

I decided to take lessons because I wanted to be able to play better and be able to make more music. I just love music.

How long have you been taking lessons? 

1.5 years

Do you play any other instruments? 

Alto Saxophone

How often do you practice?

3-7 days a week depending on my fencing schedule

What is your favorite piece you have learned so far?

7^th grade arrangement of a Mahler symphony

What advice do you have for other musicians studying your instrument?

You should take most pride in how much you love your instrument. If you like your instrument you will want to practice more.

What do you enjoy about lessons?

I enjoy my teacher. She is so nice to me. Even when I don’t practice much we still accomplish things in lessons. She is always fun to be around and she is really good at playing viola. Also I just like playing viola.

What do you like about Dynamic Music Studios? 

I like that it’s a locally owned business. I like all the teachers. They all seem very good at teaching their instrument. I love the events. It gives the students a chance to show what they can do. We have a lot of fun.

What goals do you have for lessons?

My goal for viola is to make All State Orchestra when I get to high school.

What is your favorite musical/orchestral work/piano piece/artist?

I like Billie Eilish a lot. I also really like classical music – especially a live symphony. I like the experience of seeing and hearing the musicians in person.

What are some other activities in which you participate?

Fencing including competing in regional tournaments and the national tournament. I also like eating.