I interviewed Diomedes “Deo” Saraza, Jr. a young and energetic violinist for my radio program aired on DZFE-fm, the Master’s Touch, back in 2013. We discussed his time in the prestigious Julliard School of Music in New York where he earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Violin.
Deo really is not just a violinist — he is a God-given artist who plays with his heart and soul.
Culture Carousel: When you first arrived in the US in 2005, how were you able to adjust to the standard of teaching and performance?
Deo: In 2005, I started as a freshman. I was overwhelmed with my schedule, and the language, because I was not used to talking in English, or have everyone talking in English in front of me. My music schedule was hectic, because I had two schools, one for academics, which was St. Raymond High School, in the Bronx in New York. And for music I went to a new school, it was Manis, that is where I have my violin, theory and everything involving music.
I was overwhelmed with my music lessons, because the standards were so high, and my teacher, Dr. Chin Kim, was really my stepping stone for my career and concertizing. Because he competed in competitions, he was the one who drove me to be the best violinist that I can be. He was very strict, not in the old way, but more in a sarcastic way. He says no a lot, and I have the longest no from him ever, but he was the guide, and that was perfect for me. He let me explore through my techniques but he always draws the line.
Julliard is known for its prestige and very demanding standards in music. Can you share some memorable experiences you had there?
Every day was memorable to me. But something I cannot forget, is my senior year. As a musician and as a person, doon talagang na-hone ang personality ko, because of my teacher Mr. Stephen Clapp, also the Dean Emeritus of the Julliard School. He was always there for me.
When he got sick, that was a devastating experience for me because it made me realize that your teacher will not always be around. I had to handle everything, my theory class, my daily practice for my graduation recital (Mr. Clapp was sick for 2 months). I valued that time so much, because it made me a musician who can face the world on his own.
Besides from Dr. Kim and Mr. Clapp, do you have another teacher who taught you that your music has to be a heart, a soul?
I think it was seeing my dad, he was a violinist, play — I could feel the heart and soul of music. My inspiration to play the violin came from him and the way he plays the violin. As a kid, he made playing the violin fun. He would say, just close your eyes, just feel the music, do not worry about mistakes. When you are playing, just take care of your heart.
And my dad inspired me to play the violin for the Glory of God, to give my best from the heart. I see that in my school — everyone can play, but not everyone has the heart. They can play flawlessly, but I do not feel anything when I hear it, it is not connecting with me.
Any advice for young musicians out there?
You have to love what you are doing. I would also advise slow practice because it will make you hear everything, and when that happens, everything becomes natural. Some would say slow practice is boring but for me slow practice, is when you hear the best articulation, the best sound.
Playing an instrument is such an honor and you share the instrument every day. It becomes your extension as a human being. The scales, you bond with it. It is God given. So, do not think of practicing as something you have to work for, but rather as a wonderful experience.
When you have that mentality, you will use your heart when you are playing, and you will enjoy the music. It takes a lot of dedication. So if you think it is not for you, then it’s ok. It’s better to know it now rather than regret it in the future. But it’s definitely fun, so keep going, keep practicing, and keep exploring. I tell you, sharing it with the audience is really an amazing experience.
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