AboutTodd Sullivan Expertise Hello, I am a NYC violinist performing for Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, opera, and sundry theatre/pop tours. I would be happy to answer your questions about anything related to being a performer in the music business. I play both violin and viola professionally, so questions on playing either instrument are welcome. The only thing I am not well informed on is information concerning instruments/bows...those questions are best left to luthiers.
Experience Professional experience includes a variety of on/off Broadway tours and shows, numerous orchestras, tours with Ray Charles and Ann Murray orchestras, leader of the 20-piece Todd Sullivan Orchestra.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Fine Arts (violin) with honors from Carnegie Mellon University (1999)
Question I am currently taking lessons and have been for two months. I am having a problem understanding what key I need to begin in-I cant seem to grasp how to do this and am always wrong.Please help me or my frustration is going to cause me to quit all together. I dont see a reason to pay for lessons if I dont understand what I'm doing Thank You in advance for any help you can give me
Answer Hello Julie, the key you are to start in is dictated by the sharps/flats placed directly after the clef at the beginning of the first staff. Since you are just starting out you will only be using two or three different keys and these will not be difficult to memorize. You will also only be using Major keys right now, so no need to worry about learning the minor keys yet. The major keys are as following:
no sharps/flats: C Major
1 sharp: G Major
2 sharps: D Major
3 sharps: A Major
4 sharps: E Major
5 sharps: B Major
6 sharps: F# Major
7 sharps: C# Major
1 flat: F Major
2 flats: Bb Major
3 flats: Eb Major
4 flats: Ab Major
5 flats: Db Major
6 flats: Gb Major
7 flats: Cb Major
