Art Mize

Art Mize was raised in rural Kentucky in a religious environment that did not allow the playing of instruments and limited singing to religious hymns. In spite of this, his family quietly obtained string instruments and played together in their home. In the sixth grade his dad was transferred to northern Illinois where he had private violin lessons and played in the school orchestra. Later the family moved back to Kentucky where he encountered bluegrass, jazz and other diverse types of music. He was influenced by Ron Pen, Homer Ledford, whose band he played with, and J.B. Miller. Art discusses his personal history, his admiration and apprenticeship with JB Miller and shows samples of violins from various European countries.