Back to Blog

Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca Benjamin

A few weeks ago, Dan Dunford caught up with MWF violinist Rebecca Benjamin. Hear more about her story, musical experiences, and hopes for the future.

Dan: Before becoming a musician, how did music influence your life?

Rebecca: One of my first words was "music," when I heard classical music on the radio. When I was two, I went to a Suzuki recital where I heard violins and cellos. Afterward whenever I heard the sound of a violin on the radio, I would say, "That's a violin! I want to play a violin!" At age three, my favorite tape was of Mozart's Violin Concerto in G Major. Finally, after a year and a half of me saying I wanted to play the violin, I started. Music has been a huge part of my life as long as I can remember, and I can't imagine my life without it!

Dan: When did you know that you wanted to pursue music as a career?

Rebecca: I can't remember an exact date or time when I made a decision to have a career in music. Not to say that I've always wanted to do music; for instance, when I was 2, I wanted to be a racecar driver. I got inspired later by reading about Thomas Edison and thought that doing chemistry would be super fun. However, since I was eight, I knew I wanted to pursue music, specifically violin as a career. I've never looked back.

Dan: What accomplishments (or musical moments) have brought you the most joy as a violinist?

Rebecca: Every musical moment brings me joy, because I love sharing music with others of all ages. Definitely one of my highlights was getting to solo with the MasterWorks Orchestra. That was really a dream come true. Another one of my highlights was the first time I soloed with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic when I was eight years old. Since then, I've had the opportunity to perform with them on a number of occasions. They have been extremely encouraging to me. I also really enjoy playing in my trio, Soli Deo Gloria. It is incredibly special to use music and words to point people to Jesus Christ. I've been given so many wonderful opportunities to perform, and I love sharing my music wherever and whenever I can!

Dan: What composers (or pieces) inspire you as a musician?

Rebecca: The Romantic period is definitely my favorite classical music period. As for concertos, my favorite is usually the one I'm working on at present. One of the most inspiring pieces for me is definitely Handel's Messiah. During MasterWorks 2009, we did Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony which was one of the most exciting orchestra concerts I've ever played in. I absolutely love playing chamber music too--especially works by Brahms and Medelssohn.

Dan: What has been the most memorable part of your violin studies thus far? What are some of the challenges you encountered and how do they compare to challenges you face now studying at the Music Institute of Chicago?

Rebecca: The Lord blessed me with amazing teachers and has given me opportunities to hear and be part of master classes with great teachers. MasterWorks has been memorable to me, from attending concerts and recitals starting 10 years ago when the festival first came, and especially as a participant the past four years.

The Music Institute of Chicago Academy program that I am involved in challenges me to really work and practice harder than ever before. My teachers, the Vamoses, are wonderful and encouraging. They inspire and help me continue to learn and improve. All the staff and students that I work with are extraordinary people, and it's an honor to be part of the Academy program.

Dan: How do you reconcile your faith with your art?

Rebecca: I've never thought about my music as separate from my relationship with Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:17 says, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." And also verses 23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." There have been some times when I have be discouraged about my violin and music, but when I read those passages, I am encouraged that what is important is serving the Lord and glorifying Him.

Dan: Ideally, what musical path would you like to follow?

Rebecca: I want to follow the Lord's direction, whatever it may be. Right now I am trying to prepare to be the best I can and would enjoy being a concertmaster of an orchestra and/or a member of a string quartet or piano trio (or an chamber group).

Dan: How can CPAF and fellow MWF alumni pray for you?

Rebecca: Pray that i will shine the light of Jesus Christ to everyone around me, and for wisdom and discernment from Him as I will be applying to music conservatories/schools next year.

Dan: What is your favorite:
Movie? The Hiding Place
Style of Music? Classical
Food? Raspberries and mocha almond fudge ice cream
Place to travel? I love traveling anywhere really, but lately, Chicago!