Eric Silberger critiques performances by master violin students

Eric Silberger, master violinist, performs on a rare J.B. Guadagnini violin made in 1757. (courtesy of Fine Arts)

On Friday Nov. 6, three Saddleback College violin students performed while virtuoso violinist Eric Silberger critiqued and gave advise.

Graduating with a Masters of Music degree from Juilliard and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Columbia University, Silberger has had the privilege of working with multiple orchestra’s, such as the Munich Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist, recitalist and is a chamber musician throughout the United States.

After appearing in places like the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Moscow International House of Music in Russia along with many other halls, Eric’s shows have been described as “dazzling virtuoso playing” by the Washington Post.

Eric came to Saddleback to teach in a master class where students playing on the violin, cello and viola received advice on how to relax their bow and mix in emotion while playing.

He would ask the musician a series of questions like, “How do you feel when playing that particular song?” Then, both Silberger and the musician would go through the song little by little, giving examples of how to perfect their instrument.

As Silberger moved on to the second performer, he would listen to the chords, then give proper advice, having each of them listen for a different sound of what they typically would hear while playing that particular song.

“Think about the end of the notes more,” Silberger said.

Silberger would have the students look for more connection in their songs, whether it’s sorrow, happiness or different types of weather patterns in order to bring more emotion in their music.

After having years of experience, Silberger knows where to help each performer perfect their sounds, feelings and connections to the instrument they were playing.

Saddleback student Nicole Peretti, 26, came to watch Silberger not only to hear a few of his own songs, but thought it was really entertaining to watch a professional pass on his techniques and tricks to inspiring students.

“Watching him inspire other students to master that same instrument and seeing someone learn something is really cool,” said Peretti.

Silberger and his partner Isaac Crammer are starting an orchestra in New York for students who attend Julliard. Writing the majority of their own music, they are excited to show New York what they have to offer.

“Do too much rather than too little,” Silberger said.

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