One thing you should know about Janet Toomes is how connected she has been to the music world around the US and how firmly she believes that music can change lives. She continues to teach and accompany soloists and ensembles in San Antonio but the delight of her life is sharing the wonderful world of music and ensemble playing with her daughter, Aimee (Toomes) Lopez, a violinist with the San Antonio Symphony and with Aimee's violin students.
"Having raised a daughter who studied violin and grew up to become a professional violinist is one of the greatest joys of my life." "But, what inspires me the most, is her (Aimee's) wonderful heart, amazingly humorous creativity and dedication to train young musicians in San Antonio."
As a mother, Janet Toomes helped guide young, Aimee through her early years of violin study to access excellent teachers, youth orchestras and other resources in the music community. She helped navigate Aimee through the maze of college applications and auditions. She served as Aimee's accompanist and now actively works as studio accompanist for Aimee Lopez Violin Studio.
Having served in professional orchestra management for over a decade including VP of Operations for the San Antonio Symphony, Ms. Toomes was able to experience some of the most awe-inspiring music live in some of the world's most famous concert halls. She was privileged to work with amazing conductors, concert soloists and other artistic "giants" in the classical and pops music world (Renee Fleming, John Williams, Yo Yo Ma, Lang Lang, Gil Shaham and Marvin Hamlisch to name a few) . But among the greatest were the musicians of the San Antonio Symphony !
As a teacher, Ms. Toomes is able to draw examples from the orchestral, opera and ballet repertoire; to compare and contrast musical instruments and styles; to relate and counsel moms and dads raising young musicians whether or not they aspire to become professional musicians. All of these experiences are tucked into her teaching portfolio!