Submitted Photo Marshall High School senior Mark LaVey is starting a business that allows him to play the violin at community events. He first started playing the violin at the age of eight.
MARSHALL — Marshall High School student Mark LaVey means business when it comes to the violin.
He has started a business playing his violin at events in the Marshall area. So far, he has played two weddings, one funeral and four Christmas parties at Marshall Golf Club.
This business has also earned him school credit. He is enrolled in the “Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities” class, which provides high school students with experience in entrepreneurship and management.
Having spent countless hours practicing, LaVey decided to use the violin as a personal business project.
“I've been spending a lot of time playing the violin.” Mr. LaVey said. “We thought this was a good foundation and a business concept could be a way to build on it. I was asked to choose a business idea to get involved with.”
He started playing the violin at the age of eight. His first teacher was Marshall music teacher Diane Wright. I started with 30 minutes of practice every day, then increased it to about an hour a day.
He now practices every chance he gets. He averages about 5 hours a week, which is enough to keep his skills at the current level. He has performed with both the Marshall High School Orchestra and the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra.
He said one of the reasons he likes the violin is because it's a difficult instrument to learn. He realized that the investment of time led to good rewards.
“There are so many aspects to strings and bows, and so many elements are needed to create a good sound.” Mr. LaVey said. It's worth your time. The violin has a sound closest to the human voice. I can really put emotion into my music. ”
In the CEO class, he and other class members launched an apparel business this winter. They secured $9,000 in start-up capital. Over the past few months, they have recouped all of their startup capital and made a profit of $2,600.
He created his own business plan for the Spring Violin Project. He has also launched social media pages and is working on a website.
He is finishing his junior year at MHS. He plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and is also considering attending a small private university. He wants to major in engineering or biology.
He hopes to build a strong customer base in the Marshall area. He hopes his violin will continue to serve as a business even as he moves away for college.
“It's likely to be a tag team.” Mr. LaVey said. “I'd like to make money with it and cover my living expenses. It depends on how much time I have.”
Shanda Walker, a Marshall University faculty member who serves as Mr. LaVey's CEO advisor, said his violin project is successful because of a combination of talent and hard work.
“Mark is a dedicated student and is always thinking of ways he can improve.” Walker said. “He rolls up his sleeves and takes responsibility. He works well with the members of his class, which is invaluable in the business world. He's an excellent student and a great kid.”
