One thing Sophia Haakma is passionate about is playing the violin.
It’s a skill the 14-year-old musician has honed since she was six years old.
“I’d say my favourite aspect of it would be playing in a group, where I can provide support for others and be part of a team,” she told The Profile.
It’s something the year-9 Thames High School student has been able to pursue this year as she has donated her time to teach violin lessons once a week to fellow students.
The young muso said it was her way to contribute to her school and also a “good opportunity” to share her knowledge with other people who were keen on learning.
“These sessions have helped me to meet some of my fellow students who I may not have crossed paths with otherwise.”
The best moments for Sophia was when a student first played a clean note, or put their fingers in the right places on the strings – “all the little things”, she said.
Sophia’s creativity was also evident in her connection to the Thames Music and Drama (MAD) community.
She performed in Thames MAD productions and shows as an actor, singer, and musician with violin parts in the orchestra, and more recently as a guitarist in the School of Rock production.
Sophia has also recently been elected as the youth representative on the Thames MAD committee.
She said her goal in the role was to make sure the Thames MAD theatre remained a place where people of all ages could go, and know they belong.
“Over recent years, there has been a growth in shows where kids and teens are able to take charge on stage,” she said.
“I want to make sure the spotlight remains to be shared around evenly between everybody, adults and youth alike.”
A passion for the arts and the drive to grow in her violin playing was clear. That’s why Sophia jumped at the opportunity to attend advanced lessons with Waikato University violin tutor Lara Hall. Thames High music teacher Dr Nichola Voice arranged for Sophia to work with Lara to help her grow in her violin journey, Sophia said.
“I almost couldn’t believe it. I still can’t wait to see what valuable skills and information I will be able to get out of these sessions.”
The main thing Sophia said she wanted to focus on in the lessons was to refine her overall technique to the point where “I can be more confident and comfortable” to play in front of large audiences.
One of the most important aspects of playing the violin was “always going to be technique”, the musical prodigy said.
Her advice for other young violin players was to work hard on getting good structure, posture, intonation and positioning “so you don’t give yourself bad habits”.
But most of all: “make sure you always work hard with what you do”, she said.
“Never give up, no matter how much you think you want to.”
-By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
