Roy Meyer, Violin. Roy Meyer began violin studies at 4 years old with Kyoko Fuller at the American Suzuki Talent Education Center (ASTEC) in Stevens Point, WI. Roy went on to pursue a Bachelor of Music in violin performance at University of Wisconsin–Madison and continued his education earning a Masters of Music at University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. At New York University, he pursued a certificate in advance string studies before settling in Chicago. Roy’s primary teachers have included David Perry, Carolyn Stuart, Gregory Fulkerson, Naoko Tanaka, and Laurie Hamilton.
As an educator, Roy has conducted violin master classes at the Apollo Music Festival, the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Virginia Tech, SUNY New Paltz, Indiana State University, and the Aber Suzuki Center on campus at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Roy also served as visiting professor of violin at Illinois Wesleyan University in 2018.
With an especially passionate nature for orchestral repertoire, Roy has been Concertmaster of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra since 2015 and is a frequent substitute violinist with the Sarasota Orchestra, and Chicago Philharmonic. As a chamber musician, Roy enjoys maintaining musical relationships with friends and performing at the Apollo Music Festival in Houston, MN, and at the Illinois Chamber Music Festival in Bloomington, IL. Film credits include Amazon Prime’s Mozart in the Jungle.
“Probably most of you know me but in case you don’t, my name is Roy Meyer and I’m a violinist with Griffon String Quartet.
“Many years ago, a wonderful mentor posed to me a question: If you could have anything you wanted in the entire world, what would it be?
“Well, a big box of money is the first thing that comes to mind. But, if I had too much money, I’d probably screw it all up and make a big mess. Power and control over others is often is the next thought. But, If I had too much power, yeah, I’d probably screw that up as well. Then the mentor asked, “What if you could be a violinist in your very own string quartet?” At that moment I felt chills throughout my entire body. Shortly afterwards, I forgot about that conversation for a long time, focusing instead the many other elements of living a musician’s life. When I was asked the rejoin the quartet in 2022, I knew I had been given the opportunity to fully immerse myself and create something wonderful.
“As far as jobs go, I don’t think it’s possible for me to be happier than I am working for Midsummer’s Music and Griffon String Quartet. I get to work with incredibly talented colleagues, Alex and Jesse, who are among the very best musicians and humans I’ve ever encountered. I get to work for a team—Allyson, Jim, Julie, Max, Russ, and many others who give us the creative support and freedom for projects that will educate, enrich, and excite.
“Then, there is the work itself. I’ve been told many times that the way to live happily and joyously is to do your best to be of service to others. Midsummer’s Music and Griffon String Quartet consistently do our best to live to that way of life. One of my favorite ways Griffon accomplishes this is through its lessons program. In less than two years, Griffon has gone from teaching about 10 students to teaching nearly 50(!) children in Green Bay and Door County, many of whom are on full or partial scholarship thanks to our many, many wonderful sponsors. An element of the lessons program I wholeheartedly enjoy is the weekly group classes we have at the Boys & Girls Club in Sturgeon Bay. Over 12 enthused students work together learning violin, viola, and cello while playing musical games, learning about the great composers – both new and old – and having the benefit of hearing the Griffon Quartet perform for them live several times throughout the year. The joy, interest, and enthusiasm that the children emit enhances all of our lives.
“There are so many wonderful and important ways I value working for Griffon and Midsummer’s Music. Too many to list in a short essay, yet a few that I’m proud of include our Project Music Heals Us (PMHU), which presents tablet concerts to those in assisted living facilities; our library series, which pairs music with great works of poetry and literature; and our incredible community concerts, which allow us to show you what we love. And, of course, the fact the Griffon Quartet is truly an active part of our daily community, be it teaching, volunteering or performing.
“I want to thank you for spending some of your Saturday reading about Midsummer’s Music, Griffon Quartet, and me. It has been my pleasure to tell you a little bit about what makes me happy. Please, if you ever see me in the community, don’t hesitate to say hello. It gives me a great deal of joy to get to know you and to be included in such a caring, creative, and fun community.”