Artist Ruth Davidson started playing the viola in 7th grade, but before then she played the violin for quite a long time. The reason she started playing a stringed instrument was because when she was little, she hated performing, speaking, or getting in front of any sort of crowd. To help Davidson break out of her shell, her parents started her on the violin, in hopes that it would force her to perform and overcome the fear of standing in front of people.

When Ruth was young, she hated playing the violin and anything to do with it. It wasn’t until she switched to the viola in 7th grade and started having more success as a musician when she really started to love it. “I love playing the viola because the emotions that I can make people feel with it. With just my hands and the help of the instrument, I can create a sad, joyful, or even monumental sound. Practicing for me is so relaxing and helps me rejuvenate for the day and detox from all the stresses of life,” Davidson said.

A regret Ruth has stems from her not having practiced as much as she could have She always wondered how much better she could have been if she hadn’t skipped that one night of practicing. Playing the viola is something that takes tremendous amounts of hard work because of the hours of practice and having to driving one hour there and one hour back every week to Iowa City for lessons. “I have learned through playing that I can do hard things even when the task seems daunting and overwhelming, if I have enough determination, I can accomplish what I set my mind to,” Davidson said.

Davidson took part in the All-State orchestra her sophomore and junior year, an accomplishment that many can’t brag about. Davidson explains, “For me as a violist, I have about a 20-25% chance getting in and I drive one to two times a week to get more help from my teacher at the University of Iowa.” All violists in her region audition with two scales, a solo, and two of the seven excerpts they learned from the music. Davidson exclaims that she loves doing all state because it gives her chances to meet musicians all throughout the state and she loves how much it allows her to grow as a player.

Having as much drive and passion as Davidson does, can take you a long way with your dream. Hours upon hours of late night practicing and hard work has led to many great achievements.