Our next Faculty Spotlight features violin teacher Lisa Redding.
What do you teach at the Fine Arts Academy?
I teach Strings at the FAA. The violin is my main instrument.
How long have you been teaching at the Fine Arts Academy?
This is my second year back at the FAA after taking a few years off from teaching here. I actually started teaching here when they first opened the Academy in the late 1990s and worked here for many years.
How many years have you been teaching?
I have been teaching for 25 years.
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Erie, Pennsylvania, but I moved to many different places when growing up.
Which college(s) did you attend? What degree(s) did you receive?
I graduated from UTA with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree.
Did you have an influential music teacher? If so, how did that teacher shape your life?
I had several influential teachers in my life. The very first one was the teacher who actually chose the instrument for me! The most influential teacher was my professor, Dr. Robert McCashin, while I was a student at UTA. I still keep in contact with him today.
What made you choose music for your career?
I was actually a business major for several years and participated in the orchestra. I eventually began practicing more and decided that I wanted to pursue a job that was my passion, so I chose music.
What are you listening to/reading right now? Or what projects are you working on currently?
I do not regularly have time to read for pleasure, but enjoy reading “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. It keeps me balanced.
What is something your students would be surprised to know about you?
I think my students would be surprised to know that I am on the praise and worship team at my church. I perform at both the traditional and contemporary services every week. God has given us all gifts and talents and I believe that it is important to share those with others and to glorify Him.