Violinist Philippe Quint on Remembering Mrs. Dorothy DeLay

Philippe Quint talks us through his experience studying with Dorothy DeLay and his appreciation for the role she has played in his life

A good educator and teacher can change someone's life entirely for good. There are but far and few between of such musicians, but one pedagogue in particular has had nothing but praises for her teaching methods and kind personality. That lady is none other than the esteemed violinist and teacher, the late Dorothy DeLay. How was it like studying under her, and what kind of person could we expect to be facing?

Russian-American violinist Philippe Quint shares his experience studying with Dorothy DeLay

Violinist Philippe Quint on Remembering Dorothy DeLay's teaching methods and personality

Many people over the years asked me about Mrs. DeLay and her violin methods. What was her secret? I am happy to share Mrs. DeLay’s secret with you.

Incredible patience and respect. Yes, it’s that simple.

Of course, Mrs. DeLay was a firm believer in a practicing system/routine and insisted on many exercises and scales. Of course, she was also meticulously organized.

Every student had a file and each file contained a journal with hundreds of notes on each one of us. She monitored everyone’s progress carefully evaluating if a student was serious about the work.

She strongly believed that there was no such thing as untalented student and she had a proven theory that everyone has perfect pitch.

She had a story, analogy and example for everything. “Do you drive a car?” She would ask a 14-year-old student, “Do you drive a car?” “I don’t,” the puzzled student would reply. Then she would explain, “You have to think of a shift as if it was a car that needs to slow down the very last second in order not to slam through a garage.”

But what was remarkable is her patience and respect towards anyone who has ever played for her. No matter how the student played, Mrs. DeLay with utmost respect in a declamatory way would say: “Congratulations! It is really quite good. You have so many wonderful things going for you. Now let’s see what we can improve.”

I miss her very much and we will remember a remarkable legendary woman, who dedicated her life to music, education and people.

–Philippe

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