Episode 52: Pearl de la Motte - The Moving Power of Music

Pearl de la Motte is a violist at Juilliard in New York City.

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(00:00) Arrival Story & Juilliard Backstory

(01:40) Mom’s Method: Start at Two

(03:05) Family of 11; Music at Home

(04:30) Forced Practice → Hiding in Weeds

(06:05) Switch to Viola for Family Quartet

(07:20) Viola’s Role & Sound

(09:00) First Competition Win at 13

(10:35) Juilliard as Goal; Mentors and Push

(12:30) Practice Philosophy & Golden Gate Park Sessions

(14:45) Falling in Love with the Work

(17:10) Applications & Pre-Screening Details

(20:05) The 10-Minute Audition & Faith

(22:40) Acceptance Day & Covner Fellowship

(25:30) Career Map: Chamber, Teaching, Not Orchestra

(28:10) Baroque/Historic Performance Spark

(31:05) Growth in NYC: Skills & Social Confidence

(33:20) Performance Mindset & Social Media Ambivalence

(36:10) NYC Impressions & Success = Healing Through Music