I had a wonderful time chatting with Patricia Weitzel for the podcast!  Patricia is a dynamic and engaging performer and teacher, and we had a great conversation covering: competitions how a missed opportunity can lead to a better one Patricia's journey from Brazil to the United States being direct with students  ...and much more! More About Patricia: Patricia Weitzel holds a bachelor degree from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, where she studied with Dr. Fausto Borem, a Master of Music Performance Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, where her primary teacher was Dr. Marcos Machado, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from The University of Iowa, where she studied with Professor Volkan Orhon. As a member of the Sphinx Virtuosi, YOA Orchestra of the Americas, Aldeburgh World Orchestra and Aldeburgh Strings, Dr. Weitzel has played in several venues including the Carnegie Hall, the Royal Concertgebouw and the Royal Albert Hall. Dr. Weitzel has received many awards throughout her career such as the first place in the Paulo Bosisio Strings Competition, Furnas Geracao Musical, William T. Gower Competition (first bassist to ever win this competition). She was also a semifinalist in the X Sphinx Competition. She has appeared as a soloist with the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, the Universidade de Brasilia, the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Iowa orchestras as well as the Bahia Symphony. A dedicated pedagogue committed to building classical music audience, Patricia Weitzel was responsible for the University of Southern Mississippi orchestra's outreach program introducing classical music to schools, nursing homes and similar facilities while working on her degree in that institution. She was also a cello and double bass instructor at the Hattiesburg Public Schools. Dr. Weitzel is currently on faculty at Augustana College and St. Ambrose University. She frequently performs as lecturer and recitalist in the USA and Brazil besides being a member of the Des Moines and the Quad City Symphonies. She also teaches K-12 students through the Quad City Symphony Private Lesson Program and in her private studio. Weitzel performs on a 2015 Nick Lloyd double bass generously supported in part by the Sphinx Mpower Artist grant. Links to Check Out: Patricia's website Patricia's YouTube Channel Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut. The Chromatic Endpin.  A straight endpin only lets you balance the bass one way. The Chromatic Endpin opens up many possibilities.You can feel more of the bass's weight, make it feel light as a feather, or anywhere in between. When the bass is balanced, you stand comfortably on two feet with a neutral spine. The instrument feels lighter, is easier to hold, and you're more comfortable. The Bass Violin Shop, which  offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!