Student Violinist Performs on NPR Program “From the Top”

by Briana Vela

March 8, 2016

Fiona Shea, a 16-year-old TTUISD student, had the opportunity of a lifetime when she was chosen to perform at the recording of National Public Radio's (NPR) syndicated radio program, “From the Top”.

“I've been listening to “From the Top” since I was a small child and had been dreaming of the chance to perform on the show for some years,” Fiona said.

NPR's “From the Top” with host Christopher O'Riley is recognized as America's largest national platform dedicated to celebrating the stories, talents, and character of classically-trained young musicians. According to their website, NPR is the most popular weekly one-hour classical musical program on public radio. They reach more than half a million listeners and record their radio shows in front of live audiences across the country.

“David and I were so happy that she was going to have the opportunity to perform on the show, meet Christopher O'Reilly and the rest of the “From the Top” crew, and most importantly, have a chance to meet other talented young musicians from around the country who share her passion for classical music,” Regina Shea, Fiona's mother, said after her and her husband heard the news that Fiona would be performing at the show's filming in Lubbock, Texas, at the Texas Tech University Allen Theatre.

Fiona performed Danse Espagnole composed by Manuel de Falla, a piece she started learning a year ago, to open up the show for the “From the Top” recording.

“This piece was one of the recordings that I sent with my application to “From the Top” and since it [was] such a fun piece, they really wanted me to start off the show with it,” Fiona said.

In an interview with the Daily Toreador about the NPR taping at Texas Tech, David Balsom, producer of “From the Top”, said that the young musicians who apply come from all over the country and go through an extensive application process.

“Playing well is only partially of why they are on the radio show,” Balsom said. “Half of the show is music, but half of it is talking to the kids about who they are. That's what's special about the show.” 

“My favorite part of the program was getting to meet other performers and hearing their own unique stories,” Fiona said.

Fiona's mother said she and her husband have a mixture of joy and anxiety when they watch Fiona perform on stage. “Mostly we are just thrilled that she has an opportunity to share the music she has been so diligently preparing.”

Fiona started playing the violin when she was only three years old and has participated in numerous performances, training programs and competitions since then.

“From the Top” show was actually only one of several performances she had in the last few weeks of February,” Regina said. “She was in Mesquite, Texas, performing as concerto soloist with the Mesquite Symphony, then traveled to Philadelphia for an audition at the Curtis Institute of Music before returning to Lubbock in time for the “From the Top” weekend activities.”

Musicians themselves, Fiona's parents know first-hand that mastering a musical instrument requires consistent daily practice.

“We feel very fortunate that she is able to complete her academic work through the TTUISD program,” Regina said. “This allows her to use her most productive hours of the day (early morning and early afternoon) for practicing, and she does her school work when she needs a practice break.”

Fiona plans to pursue a career in music with her current focus on preparing for auditions for undergraduate music programs at several conservatories and universities across the U.S.

“She is looking forward to college studies where she will continue to further refine her playing and gain a greater understanding of music history, style and performance practice,” Regina said. “She is also very interested in teaching and would love to someday have the opportunity to teach at a conservatory or university music program.”

Fiona's performance on “From the Top” is scheduled to broadcast the week of April 4, 2016 on national NPR stations. “From the Top” airs in Lubbock each Saturday at 11 a.m. on KTTZ Radio (89.1 FM).

“This experience has taught me that there is so much talent in the world and that it really takes a lot of work and effort to succeed,” Fiona said, “but it totally pays off.” 

For more stories on Fiona and the NPR recording at Texas Tech, visit Lubbock Online and The Daily Toreador.