Teko Bailey interviews violinist and innovator Tracy Silverman about two things: parenting without control and keeping string music relevant today. Tracy says you can’t force kids to become who you want—push them and they push back. His goal as a parent and teacher is to help people find their “North Star,” what they truly care about.

Tracy shares how he started young, making his pro debut at 13 with the Chicago Symphony, helped by his dad’s long weekly drives for lessons. He then explains his work with the six-string electric violin and “strum-bowing,” a groove-based style inspired by guitar. He argues strings got stuck in a narrow classical lane while other instruments evolved into jazz and rock, and he believes strings must expand into modern styles or risk becoming irrelevant.

He also talks about raising four kids through tough challenges and the career risk of leaving the traditional classical path after Juilliard. His takeaway on parenting is simple: letting go over time, so kids can make mistakes and still feel safe coming home.

He ends by encouraging listeners to try unfamiliar music more than once, shares where to learn his method, and previews an upcoming project: DBR’s “America to Us,” with performances planned in Oakland in February and Carnegie Hall in October next year.

(00:00) Stop controlling kids
(01:28) Welcome + early career
(02:44) Dad’s sacrifice for lessons
(05:44) Six-string electric violin
(07:33) Wanting to play “now” music
(12:39) Strum-bowing explained
(16:09) Hard seasons and music
(25:48) Leaving Juilliard lane
(30:32) Parenting: lose the ego
(42:53) Programs + what’s next

ABOUT TRACY SILVERMAN

Tracy Silverman is a violinist, composer, and educator known for pioneering the six-string electric violin and developing strum-bowing, a groove-based approach that helps string players perform contemporary styles like rock, funk, and improvisational music. Trained in classical tradition and a Juilliard graduate, he’s spent decades commissioning and performing new works for electric violin while teaching modern techniques to traditionally trained players. His education platform includes books and an online academy focused on rhythm-first string playing.

Books/Methods:

The Strumbowing Method: How to Groove on Strings

The Rhythm String Player: Strumbowing in Action

Online:

Strumbowing Groove Academy (strumbowinggrooveacademy.com)

Upcoming Work: Premiere of America to Us by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), including performances with the Oakland Symphony and a Carnegie Hall premiere next year.

ABOUT TEKO BAILEY

Teko Bailey is a husband, father, coach, and guide for men walking the path of faith and purpose. Through The Climb, he’s building a brotherhood of men committed to living fully, leading boldly, and climbing with intention.

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