Glòria Miquel, Viola teacher: "The first thing I tell my students is to treat their viola like their pet"

Today we want to dedicate our space to sharing the life and musical experience of Glòria Miquel, a great music professional, who shares with us that "the viola came to find her almost by chance."

This viola teacher at the Municipal School of Music Can Roig i Torres, in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and at the Professional Center of the Liceu, in Barcelona,​​was a promising piano conservatory student until she became interested in the world of the viola.

During her piano studies, thanks to her string instrument peers, she developed a great interest in a particular instrument, the viola. Although she was already in the final years of Conservatory, she did not hesitate to change her dream and become a violist.

Currently, Glòria Miquel works as a viola teacher for students aged 7 to 16. The teacher is responsible for transmitting her passion for music and love for learning an instrument that, as she says, practically came to find her. This warm and passionate music teacher avoids rigidity and opts for fun learning, introducing games and challenges and combining music with other disciplines, such as literature. So far - she assures - the results couldn't be more satisfying.

• The transition from learning a keyboard instrument, the piano, to the viola, how did this transfer occur?

I started playing the piano when I was 6 years old, simply because it was the only instrument I had access to. I was taking my exams at the Liceu Conservatory, and it was when I was already in the final years (a period that was called "virtuosity" at that time) when I discovered that I needed a change of perspective in music. And that meant, first of all, a change of instrument.

• How did it happen?

I felt very lonely as a pianist. When I played in chamber groups, I was fascinated by the conversations my string peers had: whether it was bow up, bow down, how many notes we connect, better here in the upper half... From there, I decided to start learning such a spectacular instrument as the viola because it's the instrument that's in the middle of the "melee". I always say it acts like cornstarch because it connects the extreme sound ranges.

• Do you think there are still instruments today, like in your case the piano, that students choose almost by inertia without considering other options?

Fortunately, times have changed a lot, and now children can choose from almost all the instruments in the orchestra. In this sense, the work of teachers is also very important; we can help and advise them in this very important decision.

• What should be considered when choosing an instrument?

Whatever the instrument, the first condition is that the student feels comfortable with it, both physically and with the sound production. They have to make that first step. If they end up choosing the viola, I will be their companion and guide throughout the necessary time to make the journey as enriching and enjoyable as possible.

• In fact, you accompany your students during very decisive years of their lives, as violists and as people.

Most of my students started my instrument learning classes at the age of 7 and are with me until they are approximately 15 or 16 years old. I have always tried to make them grow well organized as violists and, above all, as people. A very nice bond is established between us!

• As a music teacher, you argue that play can be linked to learning an instrument. How do you carry it out?

Since 2004, I have been working on a game called The Tournament of the 4 Strings. The goal is for children to learn basic technique through play, and it works for the four string instruments, such as the viola. The exercises are divided into different blocks, such as bow work, left-hand work, scales... It includes a video and an explanation so they can understand it well, and it's a way for them to work more at home. The tournament has been held at Can Roig School since 2008, and the results are excellent. The students learn a lot and have a great time!

• You also combine music with writing. How do both disciplines coexist?

For years, I have been writing stories in which the protagonist, the Blue Cat, lives different adventures. We alternate the text with effects we make with the instrument and songs that I adapt to the different levels of my students. My intention is to upload them to the web soon so that everyone can adapt them to their needs, but in the end, I always prefer to be more creative and create new stories than think about the website!

• What should you look for when acquiring an instrument like the viola?

Usually, my students start renting violas so they can change them when they become too small. I consider it at 13 or 14 years old, when they have grown enough and you can see their build, it's advisable to buy the first viola. It's a very important moment, and I always accompany them. There are many factors to consider, but I think the most important ones are that the size is appropriate (with violas, we have a lot to choose from!) and that it has a good sound, balanced on all strings and in different positions.

• What advice would you give to a child who is starting to learn an instrument, in your case, the viola?

To make the viola their pet, and always remember that pets need to be cared for and pampered every day.

If one thing is clear after listening to Glòria Miquel, it is that many things are necessary for the bond with a musical instrument to endure over time. From personal circumstances to no less important details like the quality of the instrument, having time to practice, having the necessary tools to cope with the crises that arise in the life of each musician, and, of course, having a good teacher. This one must know how to accompany each student in the fascinating journey that takes place with their instrument, have psychology, patience, and, as is the case with this teacher, genuine passion for a profession that she wouldn't trade for anything.