“Thinking back to many years ago , before I came to NY/Juilliard, I would have NEVER imagined to be living this amazing life I have now. I don’t think I can thank you enough for believing in me and nurturing me to this place. Your unconditional love and encouragement have always been the source that keeps me going.”
Kristen Lee, International Concert Violinist, Jensen Artist: 2015 Avery Fisher Grant recipient; Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. violinistkristenlee.com
“ I am not sure how I can write you a letter that fully expresses my whole-hearted gratitude for everything you have done for me throughout the past years I have studied with you.. I appreciate the effort you always put forth to help me succeed.I learned not only how to be a better musician from you, but how to be a better person. ¥our unlimited patience, understanding and kindness has impacted and helped my life. I will always consider your teaching and guidance the best there is. You changed my life and I cannot be more grateful. “
Stefan Melas, B.M.,Violin performance, Chicago College of Performing Arts under Robert Chen, Concertmaster of Chicago Symphony.
M.M , NYU with Naoko Tanaka;
PHD, Violin Performance, University of Queensland, Brisbane, AU.
Presidential Scholar, San Francisco Conservatory under Alexander Barantschik, Concertmaster of San Francisco Symphony stefanosmelas.com
“I was very fortunate she accepted me as one of her students. She basically set the goal for me that I was going to Juilliard...She was really quite a woman because she truly had my best interests at heart. She wanted to mold my performing abilities. I auditioned for Juilliard and got accepted.”
James Timm, violist, Juilliard alumni, Director of Marketing for American Ballet Theater in an article from the Sunday Journal, Kankakee, Il.
“ I can’t even begin to tell you how much I have learned from you over the past two years because I have learned so much.You taught me so much more thanI could have hoped to learn. I have had a wonderful experience with you.. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I really appreciate all of it.”
Vanessa Chumbley, B.M. Violin, Appalachian State University, Hayes School of Music
Stage Manager, Des Moines Metro Opera
“ I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all that you have done for me and the tremendous impact you have had in my life.You’ve been an incredible teacher and a great mentor as well.You instilled in me the confidence not only to play with a stronger sound but to be a stronger person. YOU assured me when I was doubtful, pushed me when you knew I could do better but most importantly taught me how to believe in myself, I never would have thought three years ago that I’d be where I am and achieved all I have... You are a constant inspiration to me, Thank you so much for everything.”
Lee Sheehan B.M. Violin -Northwestern University, M. M. Violin- Indiana University
Knoxville Symphony
Tuscan Symphony
“ You are such an amazing person that I don’t even know where to start...I just want you to know that I am so thankful and blessed for having you in my life. If it wasn’t for you, I seriously don’t know where I would be ...I strongly believe you are an angel sent from heaven! ... You haven’t just taught me the violin, but you have taught me great lessons in life: time management, never give up...I am proud to call you not just my amazing violin teacher but my HERO.”
Jonathan Kim
“ Thank you so much for all your love and support. Not as many teachers as you are as involved as you are. Thank you for seeing my potential when I had my first lesson with you. Thank you for always having me prepared for everything.”
Asia Charles, Mus.Ed. violin major on scholarship, University of North Texas
The compassion that you have for me and the care you have shown for me both as a person and for my playing is amazing and I am truly thankful. You are one of the few people in my life who has taken taken a real interest in my journey as a musician and entrepreneur and always provide me with solid advice on what to do to progress to the next level and this advice is invaluable to me. Ms. Foster, you are such an inspiration and such a strong woman and I hope to have you in my life for many years. You are funny, smart, beautiful and a woman for whom more women should strive to be like. Thank you for your contribution to my life and the lives of so many others.”
DuMarkus Davis, 2015, Bill Gates Millennial Scholar Student
San Francisco Conservatory.
I was privileged to study with Sonja Foster for 7 years. In that time period I was transformed from playing notes to making music. Try as I might, before studying with Ms. Foster, I was simply traveling from one note to the next. I believe the greatest goal one can achieve in the study of a musical instrument is moving beyond the notes, and finally learning how to speak through your music, and even how to deepen your understanding of what you want to say.
Ms. Foster has a rare gift. During a lesson she could easily analyze what I was doing wrong physically on the violin, and it seemed as if her carefully worded suggestions would bypass my brain and instantly move into my fingers!! Even if I wasn’t sure just what she wanted me to do, the next second I found my hands were answering her request. Ms. Foster sharpened my listening skills so I could practice in a very efficient manner and actually learn something in each of my personal practice sessions I can never thank her enough for how she changed my relationship with the violin and actually changed my life.
Margaret Skolnick (August 5, 2016 )
copyright 2016 Sonja Foster