TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS
“I am writing this letter to tell you how much I have appreciated your being one of my teachers. I would probably not be as good at playing the violin if you hadn’t decided to take the job at Owen Middle School, and I might not even be playing at all. In this way, you have been the most influential teacher I have had in this school, but you have done more than just that. We have had thought provoking conversations, shared musical knowledge, and trivia, and had fun.”
Brad Biggers, Owen Middle School, Asheville, North Carolina
“I have some good news, too. I went to the School of the Arts summer program, and am now 3rd chair in the symphony. As you can see, I am progressing, but only for the strong starting foundation you helped lay.”
Andrew Arthur, Reynolds Middle School, Asheville, North Carolina
1991…Allison Johnson wrote: “Words cannot express how much you mean to me. You are so understanding, patient, and kind. You never criticize me and you are never harsh with me. You display so much character.”
1996… Allison Johnson wrote: “That evening my brother told me that Adrian Gnam watched my performance attentively and clapped, smiled, and nodded his head when I finished. My brother told me I had won.
“I won, I won. I met the challenge.’ What a wonderful experience I will never forget.
Ms. Tomlin, this is a win for you. You took me and you were willing to teach me violin even at a late age. You encouraged me and kindled a deep burning desire to play the violin. I cannot thank you enough.”
Allison Johnson, winner of the Macon Symphony Concerto Competition 3 years after my move to Asheville, North Carolina
2009… Allison Johnson wrote: “On Wednesday, August 26th, I will celebrate my 18th anniversary of playing the violin. I have never forgotten the date you taught me my first violin lesson, August 26th, 1991.”
You have always been such an encouragement to me. Thank you for sending your best wishes for out concert today. It was a success!” Allison Johnson, Macon, Georgia
“Thank you so much for your encouragement. You are a wonderful teacher. I would not be where I am if not for your instruction, wisdom, and support. Thanks. You’re the GREATEST!”
Franklin Keel, Reynolds High School, Asheville, North Carolina
“I’m not sure if you remember me, but I was your student at Erwin Middle School and was fortunate enough to be a part of your fiddling summer class at Jubilee. Yesterday, I was frantically trying to find my fiddle book you wrote, when I ran across your web page. I did find the book, but decided to let you know how much you made a difference in my playing. I’m currently a fifth grade teacher at Claxton Elementary here in Asheville. And although I am not the best player, I still pick up my violin and love to practice from my blue fiddle book.”
Kimberly (Gentry) Eggett, a “not forgotten” string orchestra student in Asheville.
“Thank you for the hours you’ve spent helping me prepare for church, jazz band, and the Junior Miss Pageant. These years have been amazing, even if you had to pull my arm sometimes to practice.
You were my favorite piano teacher, and hopefully I can make you proud at the University of Georgia by using the knowledge you taught me. I will never forget the saying and the lessons you drilled into my head at my lessons. Ms. Tomlin, you are an amazing woman…inside and out. You are very talented with music and I am blessed to have known you. Thank you for the graduation gift, and more than that, the knowledge you’ve given me. I expect you to play at my wedding!”
Taylor Rebecca Smith, piano student, Milledgeville, Georgia
“Baylee’s fiddling has gotten so much better after just one lesson!”
1 week later…” Nice to see you at the concert tonight. Baylee is looking forward to Tuesday…she loves taking fiddle lessons from you!”
Peggy Culverhouse
“Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I can’t say enough thank you’s for all you’ve done to get Austin ready for the competition. Thank you for driving to Milledgeville and accompanying him on the piano, too.”
The Riley’s
Thank you so much for the “Backing Up Songs with the Fiddle” guide. It has been such a help in becoming a better band member and musician.
You are a marvelous teacher and a wonderful friend! Macy Hall
COMMENTS FROM STUDENTS OF MY CLASS ON TECHNIQUE TAUGHT DURING CELTIC WEEK AT THE SWANNANOA GATHERING IN SWANNANOA, NORTH CAROLINA
SUMMER OF 2000
“Outstanding, fun, helpful!”
“Terrific”
“Masterful teacher”
“Excellent, well prepared, very approachable,
Vast subject knowledge”
“Very helpful”
“Well qualified, knowledgeable, talented, and able to teach well. Willing to provide individual attention.”
“Extremely helpful.
Good use of humor and tools to make the point”
“Everyone should take a week with her”
“Excellent teacher”