Award-winning violinist shares music with WU
By: Lee Rice
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Lifestyle
Paul Huppert is a very busy man.
While directing the music department's string quartet, giving private violin lessons, working with the Webster University Symphony and running his own business, Huppert still has time to teach as an adjunct faculty professor at WU.
"I've been teaching at WU for nearly two years," Huppert said. "Allen Larson contacted me, and I have to say that he was a big part of my decision to come to WU."
Even before his move to the university, Huppert had a prolific career, serving as an extra with the Baltimore Symphony and acting as associate concertmaster to the Charlotte, N.C., and West Virginia symphonies. He has also served as the concertmaster for the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, the Savannah Symphony and the Charlotte Symphony.
Born in 1962 in Minneapolis, Huppert felt he had an early start on the path to a musical career.
"I was in choirs and started violin around age seven. Even before that though, I always loved to sing," Huppert said. "I think a lot of people who have a good ear wind up in music."
Huppert considers his singing experience to be one of the most valuable tools in his career.
"With most instruments, perhaps especially violin, you are trying to imitate the human voice," Huppert said. "Having that kind of background helps out quite a bit."
Originally, Huppert wanted to play guitar. But when his mother took him to purchase one, something happened that changed the course of his life.
"I guess my mother was worried I might take up rock 'n' roll, so she pointed to a violin and said, 'see, that one has strings too.'" Huppert said. "I've always loved string instruments. They've always caught my ear. If you want a child to get interested in music, just take them to a concert and see what instrument they focus on."
Huppert's practice with the violin paid off, earning him the Emil Hermann Award, which is given to students displaying excellent musical talent, and a full scholarship to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
While directing the music department's string quartet, giving private violin lessons, working with the Webster University Symphony and running his own business, Huppert still has time to teach as an adjunct faculty professor at WU.
"I've been teaching at WU for nearly two years," Huppert said. "Allen Larson contacted me, and I have to say that he was a big part of my decision to come to WU."
Even before his move to the university, Huppert had a prolific career, serving as an extra with the Baltimore Symphony and acting as associate concertmaster to the Charlotte, N.C., and West Virginia symphonies. He has also served as the concertmaster for the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, the Savannah Symphony and the Charlotte Symphony.
Born in 1962 in Minneapolis, Huppert felt he had an early start on the path to a musical career.
"I was in choirs and started violin around age seven. Even before that though, I always loved to sing," Huppert said. "I think a lot of people who have a good ear wind up in music."
Huppert considers his singing experience to be one of the most valuable tools in his career.
"With most instruments, perhaps especially violin, you are trying to imitate the human voice," Huppert said. "Having that kind of background helps out quite a bit."
Originally, Huppert wanted to play guitar. But when his mother took him to purchase one, something happened that changed the course of his life.
"I guess my mother was worried I might take up rock 'n' roll, so she pointed to a violin and said, 'see, that one has strings too.'" Huppert said. "I've always loved string instruments. They've always caught my ear. If you want a child to get interested in music, just take them to a concert and see what instrument they focus on."
Huppert's practice with the violin paid off, earning him the Emil Hermann Award, which is given to students displaying excellent musical talent, and a full scholarship to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
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