Christina Craig Gentzsch

Fun Facts

Other instruments: Voice, Piano, Guitar

Christina shares, "I'm trying to learn the accordion... which has somehow led to a collection of accordions..."

Q&A

At what age did you begin playing your primary instrument?

What motivated you to become a musician?

When I was a freshman in high school, we almost lost our orchestra program. It was the first time I realized playing my instrument was something I always needed in my life.

Do you have any favorite instructors or mentors who played a critical role in your development as a musician?

Dr. AnnMarie Snook. She was my voice professor in college. She was this amazingly talented and poised woman with a great sense of humor filled with kindness. I don't know how I would have made it through my undergrad without her guidance.

Did you attend college for your instrument? Do you continue to take lessons?

I have a bachelor's degree in cello performance from Washburn University and a master's degree in cello performance from The University of Iowa.

Tell us a little about your family.

I'm married to William Gentzsch (concertmaster of OSO) and we have a dog named Ginger that loves to give hugs.

Do you have any words of encouragement for someone who dreams of becoming a musician?

You are not a robot. Music is not simply about playing notes on a page. Playing a wrong note doesn't make you a poor musician. It's what you choose to do with that wrong note that makes you a great musician.