'Bored' teen now on path of musical success

Hector Fitzsimons took up the viola two years ago when he got "bored" and wanted to try something new. Photo / George Novak

Hector Fitzsimons has won a scholarship to learn to play viola with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.

The 17-year-old Bethlehem College student took up the instrument two years ago when he got "bored" and decided he wanted to try something new.

He has been playing the piano since he was a young boy and the cello since 2009, but the viola was a new challenge.

During a holiday break, Hector said he had the idea to go to a summer school, and decided to enlist with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) summer school.

It was there Hector met his viola teacher.

"He was running and mentoring our section. He became my teacher halfway through that year, then I sat my exam and passed it."

Hector found out he got the scholarship at the beginning of this year, the second time he has won it.

"It covers eight hours worth of free lessons. My lessons cost roughly about $60 an hour - that's $1 a minute so that's a lot of cost covered free.

"The scholarship also covers the concerts I'll play in."

As part of the scholarship, Hector has to play in two APO concerts. He played in a concert on Wednesday and has another coming up in September.

Hector said he is the only high school student at the rehearsals, most of the others attended university.

There's not a lot of repertoire written for the viola so it would be hard to be a professional in it, but I definitely see myself having a future in it, whether playing in a group or in teaching it.

Hector Fitzsimons

He says he sees a future for himself as a musician.

"Music is one of my strengths. There's not a lot of repertoire written for the viola so it would be hard to be a professional in it, but I definitely see myself having a future in it, whether playing in a group or in teaching it."

Hector will also be playing in the NZCT Chamber Music Contest next week.

Bethlehem College director of music Tom Jarrett said the school got a professional trio down from Wellington to coach four groups going to next week's concert, which will be held at Bethlehem College.

Three choirs will also be going to Napier this week for the Big Sing competition.