Alumni Spotlight: Janice Tucker Rhoda ’89
Janice Tucker Rhoda is the author of the critically acclaimed ABCs of Strings and Complete Technique instruction series for violin, viola, cello, and double bass, published by Carl Fischer Music. She has given teacher training presentations and courses on her method in the United States, Canada, France, and Italy. She has been featured in Marquis Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who of American Women, and Who’s Who in the World. Janice pursued advanced violin studies with pedagogue Eric Rosenblith at both NEC's Preparatory School and College.
Why did you choose NEC?
I knew I wanted to attend NEC as early as the 7th grade. There were many people who influenced my final decision. Miss Angelica Sarris '41 was my music teacher at Pickering Junior High School in Lynn, MA. She was not only an excellent pianist, but a well-known mezzo-soprano. She accompanied me on piano at all school assemblies, including my 9th grade graduation. My first violin teacher, Alan Hawryluk '64 BM, '69 MM, suggested I audition for Eric Rosenblith at NEC’s Preparatory School. He had studied with Mr. Rosenblith while he was a student at NEC. I took Mr. Hawryluk’s advice, auditioned, and was accepted. Frances Brockman Lanier '37 MM, '92 hon. DM, founder of NEC's Preparatory School, invited me to perform the Johannes Brahms, Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, op. 100 on the show "Outlook New England" with host Frank Avruch.
While attending NEC’s Preparatory School, Professor Rosenblith escalated my love for playing the violin. He was Chair of NEC’s Strings department at the time and he encouraged me to audition for the college. I was thrilled when I was accepted, and was honored to be asked to join the Mu Phi Epsilon National Music Sorority as Miss Sarris did when she was a student.
What have you been up to since graduating from NEC? What projects have you been working on? Do you have any goals you are looking to accomplish?
As the author of the ABCs of Strings and Complete Technique instruction series, I celebrated my 25th anniversary with my publisher, Carl Fischer Music, in 2023. It has been an honor and privilege to work with their amazing staff and give continuous teacher training presentations and courses focusing on string technique based on my method.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time at NEC?
My chamber music coaches were outstanding! I had the privilege of studying with Rudolf Kolisch, Benjamin Zander, Eugene Lehner, Max Hobart, Eric Rosenblith, Nancy Cirillo, Victor Rosenbaum, and Leonard Shure. Eric Rosenblith and Gillian Rogell were my coaches at NEC’s Preparatory School.
All of the masterclasses I attended inspired me to play at my absolute best. I performed Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor and Polonaise Brillante No. 1, Glazunov’s Violin Concerto in A Minor, Bartók’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Bach’s E Major Violin Concerto, sonatas by Beethoven and Brahms, and several unaccompanied Bach sonatas and partitas.
It was an incredible experience to play in the senior orchestra with NEC President and Conductor Gunther Schuller '78 hon. DM in Jordan Hall, where we worked intensely on Bruckner, Mozart, and contemporary orchestral pieces.
Seiji Ozawa also gave a surprise visit to our senior orchestra rehearsal in Brown Hall. It was very exciting to work on a Mozart symphony with him!
Share a story about one of your favorite faculty or studio instructors.
Professor Rudolf Kolisch was my very first chamber music coach as a freshman. I was playing first violin in Brahms' String Quartet in C Minor. He entered our studio carrying four large scores of the Brahms quartets and proceeded to take each of our single parts from our music stands and throw them in the trash! He asked us to read from the score and memorize everything, just like his famous Kolisch Quartet would, which premiered Bartók and Schoenberg works.
How have your NEC experiences shaped your artistic approach?
Professor Rosenblith once asked me to write a cadenza for a Mozart solo piece. It was well received in performance which encouraged me to write more. I have empowered my students by having them compose their own melodies and to be more improvisational.
NEC also taught me to explore musical styles, aside from classical music. I enjoyed playing contemporary music very much. One of my most memorable experiences was playing and performing Fantasy for Violin & Piano by Donald Harris, assigned by Professor Rosenblith. I often improvised contemporary styles in “jam sessions” with NEC friends in practice rooms.
My experience at NEC and decades of teaching has motivated me to teach my students to be more analytical and expressive in their playing, encouraging them to be a performer with their own individual voice and style.
Share any other stories about what has inspired you at NEC and beyond.
While studying with Professor Rosenblith, I had the opportunity to audition for the 1972 Massachusetts All-State Orchestra. Through his expert tutelage in teaching me Felix Mendelssohn, Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64 for the audition, I became Concertmistress of the orchestra. I am grateful for his compassion, devotion, and knowledge as a teacher.
NEC helped shape my positive attitude about teaching and the lasting impact teachers have throughout our lives. They inspired me to pursue teaching, and have since taught at Longy School of Music, All-Newton Music School, Brookline Music School, Newton Public Schools, and Needham Public Schools in Massachusetts. I gave teacher training courses at New England Conservatory’s School of Continuing Education, McGill University, Penn State University, Royal Conservatory of Music, Vancouver Academy of Music, and Cambridge Center of Adult Education in Massachusetts. I also gave teacher training presentations at the following USA educational music conferences: ASTA, FMEA, MMEA, NJMEA, NYSSMA, PMEA, TODA and TMEA.
Do you have any advice for young musicians/current NEC students?
Teach young students and amateur adults as much as possible. Oftentimes NEC students enjoy freelance performing, but teaching will give you financial stability in the long run. If you enjoy teaching, offer adult group classes. Those students often continue with private lessons; adults take lessons all summer long. It is a great way to develop an ongoing, successful private studio.
Learn More About Janice:
Current Job: Author of ABCs of Strings and Complete Technique
Major: Violin Performance
Degree: Bachelor of Music
Class Year: 1989
Instrument: Violin
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