Jennifer Clare Paulson » Violin

Biographical Info

Jen Clare Paulson moved to Madison from Chicagoland to get her doctorate in Viola Performance at the University of Wisconsin. She is currently a member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Arbor Vitae String Quartet, Wisconsin Ensemble and the bluegrass band Milkhouse Radio. Her background includes playing classical, new/experimental music, rock, bluegrass and folk styles. Jen teaches in-person and on-line; she also works at Spruce Tree Music and Repair, repairing and restoring new and vintage fretted string instruments.

Teaching Statement

Playing a lot is the main way to get better.

My job as a teacher is to figure out what motivates you and makes you want to play. Is it the ringing tone of the violin, playing a pretty little tune, working out a difficult passage, playing for others or a week of rigorous daily practice? When it is difficult to articulate those things, I have several different pathways to start with and we customize our process as we go.

I think it is really important to build satisfaction and delight into the process while also figuring out a way to get work done on a consistent basis. Nothing motivates me more than seeing growth and progress; my goal is to help my students gain access to that feeling of achievement. I have over 20 years of experience teaching all ages and levels, listening to my students and helping them find their own way to making music.