LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i violinist and music teacher Kimberly Hope will be hosting a pair of Christmas live streams on her YouTube channel on Dec. 23 and on Dec. 24.
“I’ll be playing all kinds of Christmas music on violin, dressing up, and even showing our Christmas decorations,” Hope said. “I would love for as many people as possible to be able to enjoy some holiday music during this difficult time.”
During the days before the COVID-19 changed life on Kaua‘i, Hope enjoyed performing with her violin at community events across the island — especially during the holidays. The arrival of the novel coronavirus in March changed all that, shutting the doors to her performances.
“Personally, I have only performed at two events since March — a funeral in June and a 90th birthday party in November,” the Island School alumna said. “I am helping to care for my grandparents so I have limited my in-person lessons and performances in order to be as safe as possible and protect them the best way I can.”
The pandemic, however, did not limit her growth as a young musician.
“I certainly miss participating in social gatherings and performing for people in person,” she said. “But, thankfully, technology has allowed me to continue to be productive as a musician. Because I have more time to dedicate to projects at home, I have been able to work with my producer, Ron Pendragon, to finalize my debut album of original violin works. We are currently in the mixing and mastering stages and should be able to release the album in early 2021.”
Additionally, Hope created and published her own website (kimberlyhopemusic.com) where people can visit to inquire about lessons, listen to her music, view videos as well as purchase sheet music.
The time at home also allowed her to collaborate with a number of musicians on YouTube and on “The Purple Conversation” podcast, speaking on her background as a violinist, the development of her music, and how music is a healing and uniting force for everyone.
Limited to home stays, Hope also started teaching her music lessons online, unsure of how this would go over with her students.
“Fortunately, it has appeared to go well for most of my students,” Hope said. “I have even gained several people online that live on the mainland in places like Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts and other states.”
The success of the distance learning moved her to regular live streams once a month on her YouTube channel.
“Many of my subscribers come back each time to enjoy the live music, make donations, and chat with fellow fans,” Hope said. “I am so grateful to be able to connect with people all over the world through my live streams, and brighten up their days by taking requests and getting to know them on a more personal level.”
Hope invites viewers of all ages to drop in on her YouTube Christmas concert series.
“I think this will be a fun way for everyone to celebrate the holidays while still staying safe at home,” she said.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZHsiUmQUnag02YhbmhGdg
