What began as a lark three years ago has become an annual tradition in my studio. For the third consecutive year, students of Soyka Violin Studio have worked to create unique and challenging melodies that I have set to piano accompaniment. I chose this year to introduce the musical form, “Theme and Variations.” My students composed simple tunes, to which we explored different ways to change, embellish and elaborate on them by using different rhythms, ornamentations, keys and modes, and altering the melody itself. The compositions in this year’s edition illustrate this form beautifully. I’m very proud of my students’ dedication and enthusiasm, and I hope this experience has been helpful in growing and shaping their musical knowledge and character.