Oleg Melnikov to offer Violin Course at SCC

BRYSON CITY - Oleg Melnikov, an internationally renowned violinst, will instruct an Introduction to Violin course at SCC's Swain Center from 7 - 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, July 7 - Aug. 13.

Melnikov, formerly of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, is an experienced, certified violin teacher and concert violinist who now resides in Franklin. Born into a musical family, Melnikov's father is a professional musician, his mother is a medical doctor who studied piano and his grandmother was an opera singer. Blessed with perfect pitch, Melnikov was six when he began violin lessons.

The first place winner of state and regional awards, Melknikov attended the Rachmaninoff Conservatory of Music on a full scholarship. In the Russian equivalent of high school, he won five first place competitions in state-size areas.

"My experience as a teacher began when I was sixteen," said Melnikov. "In order to pass a violin instruction course, I had to find a student, interest him enough to stick with it and then demonstrate what he had learned in a recital in front of my instructors. That makes you a very motivated teacher!

"This season I am playing with the Asheville and Hickory symphonies, the Asheville Lyric Orchestra, and assisting with the WNC Civic Orchestra. I also play in a Christian group that travels as far as Chicago and Pennsylvania, as well as quartets featuring popular classics for special occasions."

This course is designed for entry-level students with little or no previous experience with a string instrument. Students will learn the basics of playing a violin and explore musical interests from bluegrass to classical.

Violins can be rented for approximately $20 per month. Registration is $210. To register, call 488-6413.

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