BIOGRAPHY

Andrew Otwell began formal music studies sitting behind the piano. Along side his loving grandmother, Beulah Maude Porter of Bremen, GA, he worked to satisfy her and win the lesson prize of getting to go outside and play whiffleball (with her) - circa 1978. A more structured piano lesson schedule was introduced in the form of a local artist by the name of Carol Kiesler of Douglasville, GA. Lessons grinded along much as one might expect with a young, energetic boy. The occasional piano recital came and went and as one would expect, there was an electrifying intimidation as he plunked away behind the keys.

Having lost interest in the piano, Mr. Otwell took several years off from formal music study. A few years later, he was introduced to the trumpet prior to sixth grade (Middle School). This instrument and the environment for which it was studied was magnificent for him. The joys of a full band and the opportunity to "see what the trumpet could do" was a joy. Accelerated learning and aptitude was accompanied by a quick rise to the head of the pack (second and later, first chair). He was also enrolled in the Advanced Band and the Marching Band. The three years in public school band planted the seeds of true music artistry. Those years produced appearances at concerts, pep rallies, games, and a march in the Labor Day parade in Chattanooga, TN.

During High School, Mr. Otwell opted out of the school band and developed an appetite for more rambunctious music genres. After befriending a few rock and rollers, Mr. Otwell picked up an electric bass guitar and dove in head first. Putting in more hours than ever before, he quickly built up a skill level which allowed him to join a rock band and play popular rock radio hits with his friends. In a nutshell, this continued for several years and was followed by a music study program at the Atlanta Institute of Music (1987) under the guidance of bass instructor Russ Rodgers (Atlanta, GA). Mr. Rodgers provided Mr. Otwell with a challenging and rewarding environment. After graduating the program, Mr. Otwell gravitated to the electric guitar and again, dove in head first. After having studied the materials at AIM, he was prepared for a self-study program which allowed for accelerated progress. After several years of study and more band memberships and public appearances, Mr. Otwell took a teaching position at a local music store and later, became the head of the lesson department. In this stage of life, Mr. Otwell decided higher education was in his best interest.

Mr. Otwell picked up a classical guitar from his music store and quickly familiarized himself with the feel and some common repertoire. After a couple weeks of practice, Mr. Otwell auditioned at then, West Georgia College (now University of West Georgia). After the audition, he was granted a scholarship for the music program. At WGC, he studied under classical guitar instructor Lyster Bass. That time of study was very productive and rewarding. The new found repertoire was enlightening and very enjoyable. Having come from such a loud musical background, the delicate, intimate classical guitar was very interesting and rewarding to him. Later in the year, Mr. Otwell borrowed a violin from his music store and began to experiment with this potentially beautiful sounding instrument. As had been the case with other instruments, Mr. Otwell found himself completely immersed in this fretless instrument and charted yet another course of fascination.

After a short self-structured trial and error period with the violin, Mr. Otwell signed up for Applied Violin lessons with Dr. Elizabeth Phillips. Much to both of their surprise, the instrument came rather easy to him. He was even claimed to be "a natural" at the instrument. This was of course due to the fact that he had intensely studied three other stringed instruments for nearly ten years prior. As the studies were digested, his appetite grew. He even went on to begin composition for solo violin works and began aggressively challenging himself and the instrument. He soon found that two more violin upgrades were required as well as bow upgrades. After a single quarter of intense study, Mr. Otwell pursued other opportunities which included orchestral experience.

Mr. Otwell scanned the Georgia higher education scene for opportunity and found that Clayton State College (now Clayton State University) offered what he desired. He scheduled an audition, played the audition, and once again, acquired a music scholarship. This scholarship was accepted and he went on to study the most challenging and rewarding music material ever encountered in his life. This time spent at CSC was invaluable and so deeply cherished that each day was a gift and blessing. Mr. Otwell went on to raise his level of effort and accomplishments. Upon orchestral audition, he was placed in the first section, second stand, outside position. Playing orchestral material in the first violin section after having only studied the instrument for less than one year was a most gratifying and pleasurable experience.

At CSC, his private violin instruction was under then Applied Violin instructor Doris Holloway, Violist and Organist. Time spent with Mrs. Holloway was challenging and delightful. Lesson times were always "bookended" with joy and laughter. Anyone that encountered Doris Holloway would most likely agree that her demeanor was pleasant and humorous, yet focused and effective. Further, violin study came in the form of Baroque music with the arrival of new Head of Music Department, Lyle Nordstrom. Mr. Nordstrom also brought in contract violinists who in turn, trained the department violinists in the style of Baroque playing.

As more music was digested and developed, Mr. Otwell was given the opportunity to study with Mrs. Holloway's husband - Mr. Homer Holloway. Mr. Holloway was an accomplished artist spending his entire career as a professional violinist and historian. Mr. Holloway has performed as soloist and concert master with several orchestras and even won the opportunity to study with Jasha Heifetz in California for one year (1964-1965). Time spent with Mr. Holloway was demanding and pushed Mr. Otwell's boundaries beyond anything ever encountered. This is the time when Mr. Otwell started yearning for practice materials and techniques that did not exist to the public. The desire for these absent materials would lay the groundwork for the most efficient and effective violin instruction method he would later create himself.

Mr. Otwell has performed as a band member, violin soloist, chamber player, orchestral player for over three decades and has taught private lessons for nearly a decade. With so much music experience, it may seem odd that Mr. Otwell's primary occupation is that of a Business Program Manager. This occupation allows him to continue pursuing music interests without the pressures of attempting to earn a living as a full-time professional musician.

Since "trying out" his first violin, Mr. Otwell has progressed to his ninth violin and bow. The adventure continues.....