Wendy Chinn is our French Horn instructor and has been teaching private lessons at Potomac Arts Academy for about a year. She is working on a master’s degree at George Mason University and expects to graduate in December 2016! She performs professionally with the Cardinal Brass Quintet and the Morpheus Chamber Players, a woodwind ensemble, and also works as a substitute music teacher in Arlington and Fairfax counties.
Potomac Faculty Coordinator Claire Allen recently sat down with Wendy to find out a little more about her:
PAA: How did you first fall in love with music?
WC: I watched my older siblings taking piano lessons and then instrumental lessons and I couldn’t wait for my turn. These days I keep my enthusiasm by organizing horn players and throwing horn parties where we play horn ensemble music for 4-20 horns. I organized a Horn Day event for George Mason University where there were lectures about the horn, vendors selling horns, and people playing in horn ensembles.
PAA: Tell us about a teaching experience you had that was especially memorable.
WC: All of them! I especially like the trumpet player I taught who got a college scholarship to Penn State. Even though she studied engineering they gave her the scholarship as long as she played in their ensemble.
PAA: What are some unique things you do when you teach?
WC: Every student is different and my approach is different with all of them. I do always teach theory, which helps with everything else.
PAA: Do you have any pets?
WC: I have a cat. One of my older cats used to love when I practiced and would always come into the room when I played. The cat I have now is afraid of my horn and scatters when I open up the case.
To sign up for private French Horn lessons with Wendy, please visit the Private Lessons section of our webpage or give us a call at (703) 993-9889!