I am an 18-year-old violinist studying violin performance with Donald Weilerstein at the New England Conservatory of Music on a full-tuition merit scholarship. I grew up in Cincinnati and began taking violin lessons in Cincinnati when I was four. I was concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Walnut Hills High School Chamber Orchestra during my senior year in high school. My career highlights include playing for Michelle Obama at the White House, performing on NPR’s show From the Top, and being a semi-finalist in the Cooper International Violin Competition and the Sphinx Competition. In my free time, I like to arrange and transcribe music, play video games and cards, and watch movies.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a mom, dad and younger sister. My dad is an engineer. My mom is a life coach and marketing strategist. My sister is an athlete and student.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a violinist. I practice 4-5 hours a day and perform as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. My favorite part of playing the violin is falling in love with new repertoire.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurants are Island Frydays and Skyline.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I lived in Cincinnati for 18 years.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I met was Augustin Hadelich. He is my favorite violinist, and I got his autograph after his performance with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Aspen, Colorado because the mountains and hikes there look incredible.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Deadpool is one of my favorite movies. Breaking Bad is my favorite show.
What advice would you give to people?
It’s better to practice efficiently for two hours than to practice mindlessly for four hours.
What is something on your bucket list?
Learning Ravel’s trio and string quartet
What is your go to music when you cant decide what to listen to?
Emerson String Quartet. They are a great group of musicians!
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Augustin Hadelich, because I would love to get practice tips and career advice from him. We would meet at Island Frydays.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love all the hiking trails and parks.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself in an orchestra while regularly performing chamber music and teaching.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My dad, barber, and I have the same birthday.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Negril, Jamaica
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June, Christmas, April 13th (my birthday)
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Emerson Quartet’s Debussy/Ravel album
Who inspires you to be better?
My violin teacher Donald Weilerstein
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Curry chicken
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
family, friends, Xbox
Listen to Maxwell play HERE.
