Sonja Borsman

My relationship with music began when I begged my parents for a harp at the age of four. On my fifth birthday, a beautiful lyre ensconced in silk and embossed with mother of pearl greeted me--an extravagant gift of love from parents who created a magical childhood for their children despite having little money. Ever since that moment, I've played an instrument: lyre, piano, violin, bass recorder.

Expressing myself through music is an essential part of who I am as a human being. I vividly remember learning my first songs and the fingering and making a book to record what I learned in my music lessons. When I started playing violin, I would wake up in the early hours of the morning and retreat to the farthest corner of the house and play for two hours before anyone else would stir. Suffice it to say that my passion for music continued through college where I played with many ensembles: recorder ensemble, concert choir, the symphony, bluegrass band. In Seattle, I've had the privilege to record with some songwriters and currently play with small groups of fellow musician friends.

Teaching with SMP gives me a wonderful opportunity to share what I know with students from many backgrounds and at various stages of musical development. Aside from music, I love to bicycle, climb mountains, urban hike, take photos, knit, draw, and play frisbee with my adorable aussie.