Violinist Daisy Jopling to Teach at The Justin Veatch Fund Music Workshop

Violinist Daisy Jopling will join the professionals conducting master classes at The Justin Veatch Fund's two-day summer music workshop on July 14 and 15 in Pleasantville.

, who has wowed thousands with her high-energy fusion of the classics with jazz and rock performed at The Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill on March 19 at a concert that benefitted local youth music programs.  

She said she is thrilled to become a part of the workshop.

“The work The Justin Veatch Fund is doing with talented young musicians is remarkable and infinitely valuable, and I feel honored and joyful to be participating,” Jopling said. “I have been blessed with an incredible life and career in the performing arts, and I am ready to empower these students with the understanding that they have within them everything which is needed to fulfill their dreams.”

The Justin Veatch Fund was created by the Veatch family in memory of their son, Justin, a talented singer, songwriter and performer who died in his sleep as a result of an accidental drug overdose at age 17 in 2008. The non-profit organization awards annual scholarships to graduating high school students who plan a study in the music field.

The and plans were to expand it beyond that.

The Fund’s summer music workshop does not teach music as students arrive with a high level of talent and instrumental skills, said Jeffrey Veatch, workshop director and president of The Justin Veatch Fund. Students would rather learn things traditional school music programs don't teach such as song writing, vocal technique and harmonies, technical aspect of performing and recording, engaging an audience and making the most of one's talent.

Born in England, Jopling spent 12 years living in Vienna and touring the world with the creative string trio Triology. In 2005 she performed before a crowd of 30-thousand at The Vienna Festival. She has recorded the music for several motion pictures including “Spanglish” and “The Road to El Dorado.” Jopling lives in Peekskill and dedicates a portion of her time inspiring and working with young musicians.

At the workshop, she will demonstrate and coach students about the things that make a difference while appearing on stage. She will also conduct a class on how changes in the music industry have allowed individual artists to become successful on their own terms. 

Other professionals at this year’s summer music workshop include Sloan Wainwright of the Wainwright music family who will present a three-hour vocal workshop. Wainwright will be joined by Vermont singer/songwriter Jon Gailmor who teaches song writing and stage performance.

The workshop will also include Hudson Valley performing artist TJay who will teach a class on the use of looping pedals which allow a performer to single-handedly bring a full resolution band to the stage. Other topics include practical advice in putting together a band and use of meditation to facilitate creativity.

“But a big part of the workshop is performance,” Veatch said. “We give our students at least three opportunities to perform the material they have brought with them.”

He said they're thrilled that Daisy Jopling, who will be donating her time, will join them this year.

“She brings a special element and attitude that is contagious,” he said.

“It is so rewarding to pass on first-hand knowledge and experience to young people, and watch how it helps them find their way,” Jopling said.  “Their excitement at being uplifted onto a new level is a tremendous gift.”

The music workshop is an outshoot of the popular First Fridays Café open mic nights The Fund co-sponsors monthly with the .

Information about registering for the workshop can be found on The Justin Veatch Fund website, by emailing Jeffrey Veatch jeff@thejustinveatchfund.org or by calling (914) 245-2609.  

Donations to The Fund can be made by visiting The Fund’s donation page or by sending a check by mail made out to The Justin Veatch Fund, PO Box 1323, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.

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