People who know me know that I am a big supporter of young people learning music. Whether for enjoyment, performance, or eventual teaching, seeing a child or young adult playing an instrument or singing and continually improving is a blessing. It does not matter the genre of music, only that the young student is passionate about it and wants to improve on him/herself to be the best that he/she can be.
That is why, when I read this article a few days ago online, my heart sank into my stomach with sadness, hurt, and grief.
https://slippedisc.com/2023/11/violin-student-21-ended-her-life-tragically/
Veronika Jugasová was a young violin prodigy from Czechia. She started playing the instrument around 6 years of age, and was trained by some of the best violinist/instructors in the country, including at the renown Prague Conservatoire. Even in her youth, she was winning many competitions, receiving international acclaim.
Her death has been determined a suicide, and while it was a shock to so many who loved and admired her, many of her peers and instructors fear that the pressure and stress of performing and heavily disciplined practice was a psychological strain on the girl. Veronika was scheduled to perform at the Prague Music Festival this coming week.
Social media related to classical music has been abuzz regarding this tragedy, with so many other young performers inferring in their comments that they can somewhat understand how Veronika felt. Classical music and opera are genres that require immense determination and extreme hard work. Not only does a passion need to be there, but there is that beyond-normal exertion to become the best, just as what one would see in someone striving to be a professional sports athlete. Unfortunately, young performers in this position sometimes find it hard to balance their time and efforts, and are often surrounded by parents and instructors that pressure them even more. These young people are still children in many ways, and are not fully developed to handle the stress and difficulties of being an adult.
I will not go on about this subject too much. What I will say is that, like a child wanting to be a baseball player, a tennis pro, or a professional musician, give them room to learn, and compassion when they falter. These children have a passion, but they are still human, not something that we can mold into super-humans. Let them know that we are there for them whatever happens, and offer that hug and shoulder to lean on.
Dearest Veronika, you are in so many hearts at this time. Know that you are still loved by so many, that you are still a star in our eyes, and we know that The Lord is enjoying you perform for Him and has given you the most cherished award, the angel wings.
Chew on it and comment.
Luegra 