Students Featured in the Young Artists Competition of the Fredericksburg Festival of the Arts*
- 2017 -- Brianna Fiegl, Violin (First Place)
- 2014 -- Andrew Liang, Violin (Third Place)
- 2012 -- Luke Gray, Violin (Third Place)
- 2011 -- Bethany Thompson, Violin (Second Place)
- 2009 -- Christian Aldridge, Violin (Third Place)
- 2008 -- Christian Aldridge, Violin (Third Place)
- 2006 -- Zachary Saunders, Violin (Second Place)
* Festival of the Arts is now known as Arts Alive
Kenneth Law, Cellist
"... I can’t think of anyone who exudes love for music and for teaching as much as you do. When I’m around you and your students, it’s obvious that they love you, and that you are dedicated to them; what an inspiring example!"
Kyra Davies, Violinist
"William Wassum was my first ever violin teacher and taught me from age 3 to age 8. One thing that has stayed with me over the years is that while I always had fun in lessons, Mr. Wassum didn't condescend to his students or let us off the hook -- he always emphasized the importance of practice and hard work. He struck a great balance between fostering enjoyment of music and teaching us to be dedicated from an early age. The work ethic I started to learn with Mr. Wassum is something that's helped me become a professional violinist, and I often think about the lessons I had with him as a model for my own teaching. He is patient towards even the youngest students and creative at finding new and fun ways keep students engaged."
“Mr. Wassum is one of the kindest and most patient teachers I’ve ever had. I have been his student for 10 years and throughout those years, he has challenged and encouraged me to not only be a better player, but a better person. I am inspired by his gentle spirit, and the determination he has when it comes to his passion for teaching others. His love and knowledge of music is one of the reasons when I went onto college for music history, and also found a local violin shop where I’ve studied violin making. We often discuss ideas and he is always willing to share his expertise about anything music. It is rare that you find someone who can rub off a little bit of their magic on you. I am thankful every day that Mr. Wassum has been a strong role model for me in my life.”
Zach Saunders, Violist
“Mr. Wassum’s passion for music and for his students is absolutely contagious. His instruction is not only dynamic and engaging, but his feedback always gets right to the root of the problem. He brings with him to every lesson an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and knows exactly how to use it to bring out the best in each child. Mr. Wassum always goes the extra mile to help his students succeed. He was never too busy if I was in need of an extra lesson, spent countless hours helping me network and start a career in music, and connected me with as many opportunities in the area for young performers as he could. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to call him my teacher and couldn’t be more enthusiastic in recommending him to students throughout the region.”
“It would not be a stretch to say that I can contribute most of my success as a musician to Mr. Wassum. I still have yet to meet another person whose dedication, patience and expertise surpass his. Even though I haven’t been his student for many years, I still find myself thinking ‘what would Mr. Wassum do now’ when teaching or playing. He is able to take a person with talent and mold them to be a great musician or take someone with no talent and help them be a competent musician. You cannot go wrong if you choose to study under him.”
Christian Aldridge, Violinist
"Mr. Wassum's teaching was the single most important factor in my development as a violinist. His attention to both technical and musical detail provided me with the strong foundation I needed to succeed as a professional. Having played with professional orchestras across the country in venues such as Carnegie Hall, I meet and work with musicians of the highest caliber on a regular basis. I can confidently say that I would not have had these incredible opportunities without Mr. Wassum's guidance in my developmental years. Mr. Wassum not only taught me how to play the violin in a healthy and efficient manner; he instilled a love of music in me that continues to grow. Of the many great violin teachers I have encountered in my life, few are as dedicated to their craft and to their students as Mr. Wassum. His love of teaching is infectious, and any student wishing to improve their abilities as a violinist would be lucky to study with him."