Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Dobbs.
Amber, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started playing violin at a very young age. My parents enrolled me in Suzuki violin training when I was 21 months old, and I’ve loved violin ever since. When I graduated college, I formed a string ensemble called Cobalt Strings, and we keep busy performing all around the Atlanta area and beyond. We play special events, weddings, corporate events, and a lot more. I also do a lot of freelance playing–performing at churches, with local symphonies, etc. I teach private lessons from my own studio (www.CobaltMelodiesMusicStudio.com) and I get so much fulfillment out of sharing my love for music with my students! Being a professional violinist brings me a lot of joy, but it isn’t always easy. And there have certainly been setbacks and challenges, not the least of which was learning how to run my own business and be a #GirlBoss (I’m still learning!) I’ve also experienced a few setbacks in the form of physical injuries that I thought would permanently sideline my career. (Did you know you can break your elbow?! It’s awful and I don’t recommend it to anyone, haha!) Then a few years ago I sustained a bad shoulder injury from which I all but lost most of the use of my left arm. It was a long road to recovery that included plenty of physical therapy, and there are a lot of days that I feel like I’m still re-learning how to play the violin. But I decided at a young age that playing violin was all I ever wanted to do, and I’m so glad I made that decision. Violin brings so much happiness into my life!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My violin playing is an extension of my heart. Playing the violin is like singing–no two voices sound alike, and no two voices carry the same message. I want people to see my violin playing in the same way–as a voice that is unique to the player. When I play violin, I put my whole self into it, and I hope that the listener takes away a feeling of hope and encouragement. I want people to know that violins can be wildly versatile instruments that are not confined to the first section of an orchestra. Violin is an enduring instrument with a rich voice that is as diverse and colorful as the threads in a tapestry.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Being an artist can definitely get lonely. Finding more opportunities to collaborate with other artists is a great way to combat the isolation that often comes from being a creative, and it can also serve as a great source of inspiration. I also love connecting with other violinists on social media. Not only is it great to ask these other violinists questions, but their posts usually remind me that I need to get up and practice!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I spend most of my time playing with my string trio, Cobalt Strings. You can find us at www.cobaltstrings.com, or on social media platforms @cobaltstrings.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cobaltstrings.com
- Phone: 770-500-5813
- Email: ambersdobbs@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ambergoesviolining
Image Credit:
River West Photography
Frank Gibson Photography
Vic Bonvicini Photography
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