FSU Spotlight: Dr. Amanda Virelles
By. Jewel Jefferies
Dr. Amanda Virelles is the new piano teacher at Fayetteville State University. She is from Cuba and has been playing the piano for over 30 years. As a child Virelles wanted to play the harp, however, a piano was the closets instrument she had available. Throughout the years, Virelles has traveled the world to study music. In 2005, Virelles was awarded a full scholarship to study music at the University of Southern Mississippi. Currently she resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband and two children who are musicians as well.
Here a few questions asked during the interview:
- When did you get started playing the piano?
“I started at the age of seven and since I was from Cuba, in all your classes, including math and science, you always learned about music theory.”
- Why did you decide to come to the United States?
“I wanted to pursue a PhD in piano because there are not many musicians with that designation. Also, I received a scholarship from the University of Southern Michigan to study piano.”
- How do you feel about working as a piano teacher at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)?
“Well, this wouldn’t be my first time. I previously worked at an HBCU in Tennessee, but the school here is much larger. So, I am very familiar with the HBCU culture.”
- What can you bring to the Performing and Fine Arts program?
“I hope to recruit students who have a passion for wanting to play the piano. Also, I hope to build a studio on campus for piano majors.”
- What do you expect to gain from being a piano teacher at FSU?
“I hope to build performers who want to entertain people, and within the next five years I hope for FSU to be known as one of the best institutions for music education.”
If you are interested in playing the piano then please contact Dr. Amanda Virelles at avirelle@uncfsu.edu
