A Passion For Music and Music Education
Many performing musicians become so passionate about their craft that they just can’t help passing it on to others. For some, that passion morphs into a mission that leads down unexpected paths. Take my guest Jephta Bernstein, Founder and Executive Director of Off The Hook Arts, for example.
Jephta is an accomplished classical violinist and has held positions in the Palm Beach Opera as Principal Violin, resident with the Metropolitan Museum Orchestra, and has performed in numerous Broadway productions. Jephta is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, having received a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance. She received her Masters of Music at Manhattan School of Music, studying with teachers Stephen Clapp, Andrew Jennings, and Ani Kavafian. Jephta is passionate about both chamber music and music education.
Off The Hook Arts provides free and low-cost music performance education for students while cultivating a love of the performing arts through public concerts featuring world-class musicians and interdisciplinary collaborations among the arts, sciences, and humanities.
At The Intersection of Music and Ideas
Our conversation begins with Jephta’s journey from professional violinist to educator and event coordinator. We also discuss Summerfest, OTHA’s event that combines outstanding music performances with science seminars by leading experts. This year’s topic titled, “Perception/Deception, Illusion/Confusion” covers illusion from the perspective of cognitive psychology. Performers include Zach Brock, Carlo Grante, David Krakauer and Miami String Quartet. For a list of Summerfest 2019’s roster of artists and presenters, click here.
As music and arts education are systematically removed from our schools, an avenue of crucial development is closed off to our young people. Studies have shown that music helps to enhance overall academic performance and can be a motivator for underperforming students. Many thanks to Jephta Bernstein and others who make it their mission to provide instruments and education to those who would otherwise be deprived of the developmental benefits that music provides. These are people who share their superpower to help empower others.
Learn More About Off The Hook Arts
To learn more about the mission of Off The Hook Arts, visit offthehookarts.org. If you’re interested in learning more about SummerFest 2019 (June 17 – July 12), go to offthehookarts.org/summerfest.
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Until next time, may you find your superpower, fuel your passion — light it up!