Photo by Molly Harrell

Nicole Neely | Performer & Teacher

“My entire family, and I mean that seriously, is musical.  All of my family members can either sing or play a musical instrument.”  For Nicole, violin lessons started at age six and music has filled her days since.

She plays violin, and sometimes viola, with the South Carolina Philharmonic.  She directs church choirs, which she says “can be stressful especially when you are a four foot eleven inches, 26-year-old female telling older adults what to do.”  

She also teaches piano and orchestra at Eau Claire High School, where she sees an opportunity to introduce a new world of music to her students. “People, white and black, are always dumbfounded by the fact that I am a black, classically trained musician.  Seeing me, I want to them to know that they can pursue anything.  Dreams, goals, aspirations, interests, talents don't have a color.”

More from Nicole:

On her musical family:
My father passed away last year.  He was musically gifted.  He could play piano and organ by ear.  My mother took piano lessons when she was young.  My father said he used to sneak off and listen to classical music on records.  They always felt that is was important expose their children to as much as possible, and they did.
        I have older siblings who are also musically gifted.  It can be a lot of pressure, though.  We laugh because at my father's funeral, everyone could not believe the musical talent in just one family.  It was such a performance.

On teaching classical music in high school:
Teaching this discipline can be challenging because most adults don't have an appreciation for it.  Just imagine how teenagers feel.  With all the things going on today and technology being what it is, this seems like a waste of time.  A lot of my students aren't exposed to it outside of school, so it's my job to help them see the significance.  It can be a struggle, but eventually they get it  because they have to.  They mature and so do their interests.  That's rewarding.     
        I can relate to my students, especially with the music they listen to.  I'm not old now.  I do have a social life. They just can't fathom that, so when I do something "hip" they laugh.  It's funny. 

On her ultimate playlist:
Realistically, I can't even create a playlist.  It's all about what the music does for you.  Some days I don't feel like listening to certain songs.  It just depends on my situation.  Wait, I do have a song.  I want you so listen to "Sovereign God" by Maurette Brown Clark.  Just thinking about it gives me chills.  It speaks for itself.  Promise me you will?