Life is a symphony for violinist

NO matter the genre, music is an escape, it soothes the soul and for Atholl Heights Primary School’s music teacher, Anita Ruscoe, it also helps build the confidence of young learners.

The Westville resident is a violinist at heart, but in her music class she encourages each one of her charges to try their hands at as many different instruments until they find the one they feel most comfortable with.

“I gravitated towards the instrument I felt more connected to. Different personalities are attracted to different sorts of instruments. I was a quiet and reserved child and as the violin is one of the more sensitive of the instruments, it appealed to me the most,” said Anita.

Her musical talents were noticed by her mother, Lynette, when she was just nine years old. She was whisked off to the Pinetown Music School, completed a music test and was accepted with open arms.

This was the beginning of her colourful musical career.

It was only when she entered high school that the budding muso tried her hand at piano and her love for singing grew as she joined the Queensburgh Girls’ High School choir.

Reminiscing over her school days, she fondly recalls singing Isreali folk song, Hava Nagila with her peers. She also received colours for the KZN youth orchestra.

She aimed to be a performer and did a diploma in light music at the Natal Technikon. To earn a some money, she took up a teaching post at Thomas More College, the start of her fruitful teaching career.

“I use music as a therapy in a way to help the children who battle to express themselves, and I help them do so through music. It is wonderful and extremely gratifying to watch them attempt something and then get enjoyment out of it. This is my main aim through teaching. One can only hope they also discover their talent to give them a bit more direction,” said the caring teacher.

In her spare time, she is a freelance musician and has taken part in many shows, corporate events, weddings and even at high teas and dinner parties at the Beverley Hills Hotel.

“Being able to connect with the audience through music is everything. Seeing their response and how they become intrinsically connected to it. Then there is being on stage with other musicians, it is my safe space where I can express myself through my violin and perform alongside a variety of other musos, it is the ultimate enjoyment,” said the talented performer.

Anita recently formed the group, Vita Luna, with a host of other spectacular local artists, all varying in their choice of instrument and genre but blend together in beautiful harmony.

The group is working towards a fund-raising event at the school next term and she is on violin, Glen and Andy Turrell are on bass guitar and guitar respectively, Sarah Juobert is on vocals and Greg Reading is on drums.

“I can get lost in my music and whatever memory it spurs up and the emotion it brings with it is all put into that moment and can then be felt in the song. Her musical tasts are a sublime blend of celtic and classic rock,” said Anita. “Music is my whole life.”

When she is not in the music room or performing, she is either curled up with a good book or out spending time with her freinds.

As teaching goes, her learners adore her and she often finds sweet thank you notes on her table.

“You watch a child grow, then see them perform and watching them up there on a stage knowing you have helped give them the confidence to do that is a wonderful feeling.”

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