Olivia Holladay

2013 Instrumental Scholarship Recipient

Olivia's musical journey began at the age of six when she started playing the violin in the Suzuki Music Program. Guided by her mother, she practiced diligently every day, immersing herself in classical music and committing melodies to memory. By the time she reached twelve, Olivia had mastered the entire Suzuki repertoire and transitioned to studying under Jun-Ching Lin, the assistant Concert Master of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This shift marked a turning point for her, as she began taking music more seriously and dedicated herself to intense practice sessions focused on technique development.

A pivotal moment in Olivia's musical growth occurred during her first summer at the Meadowmount School of Music in upstate New York. Inspired by the talent of her peers, she immersed herself in music, practicing for hours on end and performing under the pressure of a discerning audience. The transformative experience led Olivia to realize her deep passion for music and her determination to pursue it as a career. She adjusted her schedule, doubling her practice time and embracing a constant state of musical immersion.

However, Olivia faced an unexpected setback when she suffered a compression fracture in her t-6 vertebrae after a fall on the stairs. Confined to bed rest, she was unable to practice for weeks. This enforced break from playing the violin allowed Olivia to explore music in a different way. She immersed herself in listening to famous symphonies, chamber music, and solo performances across various instruments, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the intricacies of the music. This experience changed her perspective, enabling her to hear and interpret music with newfound depth and insight.