Deena Rizkalla Andrews joined Teamsleeves in March 2023, only a few months after moving to Chester County from Nashville, TN! Deena is a phenomenal violinist and teaches numerous strings students in the area in addition to piano.
She’s been literally traveling the world this year performing everything from pop/rock to jazz, classical, and worship music.
Read on to learn more about Deena’s adventures, her musical inspirations and aspirations, and her beliefs about teaching that make her such an incredible teacher!
What have you been up to lately, musically and otherwise?
Since I only moved here this past January, this spring I've been traveling a lot between Kennett and Nashville to play various recording sessions and other gigs. For example, I got to play in an orchestra that recorded the music for an upcoming Apple TV show about Benjamin Franklin, and then I also got to go out with For King and Country on some of their concerts before their spring tour officially started. This summer, I'm also traveling quite a bit to play lots of different music! First, I was in the Niagara Falls area of Canada with a band playing Top-40 type music, and then I'll be going to Tunisia to play some jazz on a tour there too. It's a fun challenge for me to listen to a piece and then try and emulate the horn parts on my violin, to try and get their tone and pick up on the subtle nuances of their instruments. When I'm not traveling, I'm usually jamming with my husband, a drummer/percussionist, developing our set of worship music.
What are your musical inspirations and favorite musicians?
Every once in a while, I am incredibly lucky to be a part of a performance where it's the perfect storm of beautiful music and a really receptive and life-giving audience. In those instances, I am the most inspired not only from how the audience is reacting to the music, but also from my colleagues with whom I'm performing. Being a part of something bigger than myself with other talented, passion-driven individuals is a profound experience that leaves me all-consumingly awe-struck. I find myself humbled that I can even be in a position where such music can be entrusted to me, which then leaves me with a sense of responsibility to keep my standards high for giving the best performances I can possibly give, no matter the setting.
My favorite musicians are too numerous to name, but include Jacob Collier, Nikki Benedetti, Hilary Hahn, and Cody Fry. In addition to being freaks-of-nature at what they do, I love how Jacob Collier and Cody Fry go to extra lengths to bring people together and immerse their audiences in their music--the concert experiences are nothing but love and joy. Then, with violinists Nikki Benedetti and Hilary Hahn, their online presences are largely dedicated to education and humanizing what it means to be a musician. There's Hilary Hahn's 100 Days of Practice, where followers can see what it's really like to put in time and effort on your instrument and see the good, the bad, and the ugly, even at that level, and then some of the YouTube interviews Nikki Benedetti has conducted are downright therapy sessions. Very inspiring stuff.
What beliefs or mantras do you have about music? Do you have a favorite quote or song?
First, I believe that anyone can make music, no matter the age or level of "natural talent." Second, that no matter the genre, meaning can be found in pretty much all music, if only you can open yourself up to the possibility of experiencing it. You don't have to like it, but it does have value to someone, somewhere, and realizing that I think is a humbling thought. Also, to be able to make the music you want to make, you must do two things: one, be okay with sometimes being a little bored while practicing in order to get better at your instrument, and two, learn about yourself and find out why music brings you joy and what motivates you to play.
Asking me to name a favorite song is like asking me to pick a favorite child, but I am affectionately fond of Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. I have a very personal connection with that piece, and whenever I hear it it's kind of like a slideshow of all my happiest memories start to play in my head. Additionally, I've been playing Rich Girl by Hall and Oates pretty much every day with this Top-40 band, and that is undeniably the tastiest string part ever written for a song, in my opinion.
What are your musical goals and upcoming endeavors?
I have an opportunity this fall to start a chamber music series at my church, with the goal of programming music and designing it in a way that makes people feel seen, and encourages people to be introspective about their thoughts and feelings. I am not entirely sure how I'm going to do that yet, but stay tuned!
What do you like about teaching music?
I have always loved teaching because I get to have a part in building a sense of self-efficacy in a child. Becoming a better musician is not just about notes and technique, but about learning to trust yourself and your opinions--and learning to have opinions in the first place! My goal as a teacher is to always encourage my students that they have the capability to do anything they set their mind to, and then to help them feel empowered to do so.
Thank you, Deena!!
Enjoy a performance by Deena below - she’s the one in red on the floating platform - from the For King and Country Christmas tour!
