Meet an Arts Academy viola student
Lily Wodzisz talks class schedules, instructors, and her favorite things to do off campus.
If you’re considering studying music at Arts Academy, there’s no better way to get a glimpse into Academy life than by hearing from a current student. Lily Wodzisz is a second-year senior from Grosse Pointe, Michigan who’s majoring in viola at Interlochen Arts Academy. Here, she shares a look into her daily life, from her class schedule to her favorite instructors and her top things to do off campus.
When did you first become interested in playing viola?
I had played violin since first grade, and I started playing viola four years ago. Right before the pandemic hit, I went to the shop to pick up a violin for my brother. While we were there I saw a viola, and was like, ‘Hey mom, can I grab this?’ It was going to be my COVID project, just messing around to see what would come of it. I played both instruments for three years, and this past year I made the switch to viola.
What do you love most about your instrument?
The viola adds so much to the fullness of sound in an orchestra. We're one of the inner voices, so we don't typically get the melody, but we usually support the melody or play it in harmony. When you're sitting in the audience, you won’t always pick up on the viola, but when it’s taken out, it's honestly more noticeable than the loss of the solo line.
Why did you decide to come to Interlochen?
I went to Arts Camp for the past three years: ‘21, ‘22, and ‘23. I had several friends at Camp who had just graduated from the Academy, and they all talked about what a positive experience they’d had. I looked at the college list of where Interlochen grads were going, and I realized that this institution gets people to the top. I was also really drawn to the flexible schedule. With my old school, I probably would have been taking seven academic classes at once. This year, I'm taking three, in addition to orchestra and chamber music. And I still have time to practice five hours a day.
What does a typical day at Arts Academy look like for you?
Typically, I have classes in the morning from 8:30 to 10:30. Then I'll practice for an hour, have an hour of chamber music, and then go to lunch. I usually practice two more hours for my three o'clock class, then have orchestras from four to six, and then get dinner. After orchestra, I do the rest of my practice to reach my five hours. Sometimes I'll go over. I definitely practice on the heavier side.
What is your relationship with your teachers like?
Since we live here, my relationship with my instructors is almost more of a familial relationship. This year, Dr. Skerik will be coaching my chamber group, and I also have a lesson with her every week in addition to two other classes. During my recording sessions for college auditions, she can come watch and give me comments in between takes, which is incredibly helpful. I see her for almost five hours a week. She supports me in a lot of ways, including with scheduling my academic classes and blocking out my time.
What else are you involved in on campus?
Last year, I was part of the Ski Club, and I taught a lot of my friends how to ski at Caberfae Peaks. This year, I’ve really been enjoying visiting Traverse City on the weekends. I like going to restaurants in town—my favorite is Petoskey Pretzel Co. I had so much fun when Interlochen staff rented out a movie theater for us to see a new Marvel movie, and I’ve really enjoyed going on bowling trips!
What would you tell a student who is considering coming to Interlochen?
I would say that if you’re interested in going into music, or just want to strengthen your music skills, you should take the leap and come to Arts Academy. At first, I was scared that I’d made the wrong decision, but after just a week on campus, I knew this was the best decision I could have ever made. I've learned so much, my progress has skyrocketed, and the connections I've made are incredible. When I went to do college visits this past summer, I saw some of my Interlochen friends from last year who are now at top conservatories. It's crazy to think that that'll be my class next year.
Learn more about studying music at Interlochen Arts Academy.
