Regina Sadowski, violin/viola M.M., University of Michigan B.M., Manhattan School of Music “I love music and feel it is a gift to be shared. I approach each student differently and treat them as an individual respecting the kind of music they are interested in, yet also exposing them to all styles of music.” Violinist Regina Sadowski, a native New Yorker, began playing violin at age 9. She was born in the Bronx and while she lived for a period of time in Michigan and Washington D.C., she feels “New York is my home.” Regina was initially drawn to studying the cello as a child but “I couldn’t remember what it was called when I was choosing what instrument to study so I picked violin instead. I fell in love with it.” A versatile instrumentalist, Regina also plays baritone saxophone, flute, and some percussion. Regina’s approach to teaching is organic. “I love music and feel it is a gift to be shared. I approach each student differently and treat them as an individual respecting the kind of music they are interested in, yet also exposing them to all styles of music.” As a graduate student at University of Michigan, Regina focused on improvisation studies and often incorporates improvising in her teaching. “Improvisation helps students to bring out their own voice. It also helps in developing a good sense of time and intonation as well as a great feel and trust in your instrument. To be able to make music is an amazing experience and the best fun you can have. I’d like to think I pass that on to all of my students.” While Regina is open to teaching students as young as 4, she does believe that very young children should have a parent attend lessons. “This enables them to help with practice at home. I approach teaching young children with a very open heart. There is nothing better than hearing and seeing a proud 4 year old play his or her first song!” Regina is also open to teaching adults. She emphasizes a gentle and patient approach with adult students. John Cage, J.S. Bach, Pauline Oliveros, and John Coltrane are among Regina’s favorite composers. She enjoys a wide range of musical styles including avant garde jazz, new music, electronic music, reggae, and country. Recently, Regina has performed mostly as an improviser and has been composing her own works. “I have a lot of experience working with composers and choreographers including John Jasperse, Tan Dun, Chris Peck, and Yoshiko Chuma. Collaborations using concepts and improvisation are the most rewarding to me.” Regina counts Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, Jascha Heifetz, and Bloomingdale’s own Norma Varga as her major musical influences. In her free time she enjoys yoga, running, backpacking, and playing with her daughter, Eva.