Lynchburg woman passes on her joy of playing the violin

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Many people in Lynchburg offer violin or other music lessons from their home, but Christi Salisbury wears that and many other hats.

She gives violin lessons to about 20 students, rents instruments including cello, viola and violin at Salisbury & Heer Strings Instruments, Inc. and is also a musician for Opera on the James and Opera Roanoke.

Her interest in the violin began after she heard a girl playing the instrument when she was 5 years old. “I begged my parents to buy me a violin,” she said.

“I have a passion for the violin — it’s magical to me,” Salisbury said. “It’s exciting to pass on to future generations.”

Jim Robertson, who has taught alongside her for more than a year, said, “She’s a very dedicated teacher.” He added: “She takes teaching very, very seriously.”

Sue Mason, a parent of one of Salisbury’s students, said, “She’s very generous with her time — she’s not always looking at the clock.

“She focuses on technique a good deal, which is important. It’s sort of like learning grammar and phonics so you can read.”

Salisbury grew up in Lynchburg and attended music schools in New York and New Jersey, which also is where she began teaching violin.

She returned to Lynchburg in 2006 and returned to teaching in October 2007 when she purchased the renting portion of T. Martin & Son Violins and Bows on 12th Street.

“I was getting back into the community through the rental business,” Salisbury said.

Tinnin Martin of T. Martin & Son continues to repair and refurbish instruments in the back of the rental business, which cultivates a mutually supportive relationship. When someone renting or taking lessons from Salisbury is ready to buy an instrument or needs a repair, she sends them to Martin.

Likewise, Martin sends people interested in lessons and rentals to Salisbury.

Currently she has more than 500 instruments to rent.

“Many of the teachers recommend us to their students,” said Salisbury. She added: “for instruments that will help their students progress quickly … and sound excellent.

“It’s just a wonderful opportunity for kids to have this music education,” she said.

For your info
Christi Salisbury is the director of the Silver Birch String Camp, a day camp for violin, cello and viola from July 20-25 at Peakland Baptist Church. For more information about attending the day camp, contact Salisbury at (434) 386-1885.