- How did you know you were born for playing an instrument? What makes you want to keep playing?
There was never really a moment where I suddenly realized I wanted to be violinist. From the time I was in the womb, my parents were always playing music for me, so I was fond of music from the time I was born. However, when I started playing the violin, it was very much a hobby and I wanted to be a doctor, not a musician. However, I think my dedication to the violin gradually developed from playing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" at my family Christmas parties to performing in recitals and competitions. I became seriously involved as a musician as my family began to invest more time, money, and effort into obtaining violin lessons, driving me to orchestra auditions, and just being supportive of my music. The reason I continue to play is because I have an inner desire to spread music and somehow make people feel a little better about life. Despite the problems that may exist in the world, life has a undeniable beauty and I think the subtleties of music perfectly portray that quality.

- You were very young when you picked up the violin. What was it about the violin that made you decide that was the instrument for you?
 Since I can remember, my grandmother has always had KUSC, the Los Angeles classical music station, playing in her house, and when I was three years old, I would always ask about the "viowen" that was playing on her radio. I asked for a violin a few months later, probably just because I liked the way it sounded, and the way it looked too.

- What do you feel would have the biggest impact if music wasn't encouraged for today's kids growing up, like it has been taught in schools up until now? Has music in school made a difference for you?
While school music programs are invaluable in K-12 education, I got a music education from private instructors and community orchestras. The schools I attended did not have in-depth music programs and I was lucky enough to have supportive parents who funded my music instruction. If public schools did not support the arts, I feel that non-for-profit organizations and community programs could fill that role. However, it is still important for the public education system to encourage music education.

- What kind of violin do you use? Any kind in particular that you chose to play on stage and in the studio?
I use different violins for different circumstances. I have a regular classical violin that I use when I perform classical music and record in the studio. I used that violin the most in the session with Serj. I also have a flying V electric violin that I plug into a guitar amp for solos, but I do not use that instrument as much as used to. I used this violin in the bridge of "Falling Stars", one of the extra songs on the limited edition of Serj's record. The violin that I use the most for live is an acoustic violin with an electric pickup that keeps a warm classical sound, but has the ability to scream when I put it through a half-stack.

- Since the violin is classical instrument or lets say it is considered as classical instrument, do you think it matches with rock music?
I do not like to think of definite "genres", but like you said, the violin is considered a classical or country instrument rather than something used in rock music. However, people used to think the same about the flute until Jethro Tull became popular in the 70's and brought the flute into the rock genre. I think any instrument can work in any genre, just as long as it is presented tastefully. Also, in my opinion, the general direction of rock music is moving towards chord progressions and melodies that are typical of classical music, so I think that the violin definitely has a place in rock music.

- How did you get to meet Serj Tankian? And what was it like working with him on the album?
Well, I had been working with Dan Monti at the Village Studios in Santa Monica for about a year. As a matter of fact, almost all of the music that I have recorded was done with Dan. Dan and Serj met through the "Buckethead & Friends" record, so Serj used Dan for Elect the Dead. When they needed a violinist, "Commander Dan" came through and gave me a call. Serj was awesome to work with. He was laid-back and casual, but he knew exactly what he wanted for each song.

- In Serj's studio did you ever come across his leftover materials and demos? If so what were they like?
To be honest, the only song that I heard that I don't think was released to the public, was the studio recording of "Charades". It's a great song, but I think he only plays it live.

- I was wondering if there are any funny/interesting stories involving you and Serj in the studio. If there are, would you care to tell us?
Well... He did have this medieval sword from Scotland that he wanted me to try to play the violin with... It didn't really work... to say the least. :)

- Are you rock/metal music fan in general, SOAD in particular?
I listen to a lot of rock music, particularly System of a Down and Fair to Midland. However, my music library ranges from Disturbed to Chopin to Imogen Heap to the Supremes. The only music that I really don't listen to is country music.

- How did your band begin to form? Did they find you or did you find them? How long have all of you been playing together?
To be honest, I don't have a steady band that I always play with. In the beginning of last year, my band comprised of Dan Monti on guitar, Mario Pagliurulo on bass, and Thomas Lang on drums. Understandably, Dan and Mario took the opportunity with Serj's tour, and Thomas did not want to be in the band without Dan or Mario. Ever since then, I have been playing shows with local musicians and friends who are actually great players. At the moment, I'm playing with three brothers: Matthew Rodriguez on guitar, Nic Rodriguez on bass, and Jules Rodriguez on drums. Russell Berkley, a friend of mine, joins in on keyboards. We're quite the wild bunch.

- Besides your love for music and being on the stage, what other artists have encouraged you? Are there any favorite artists in particular that you enjoyed working with?
I was inspired more than anything by my violin teachers and orchestra conductors. I am not the most disciplined person when it comes to practicing exercises and repertoire, so their support helped me grow as a musician. The two artists that I have really enjoyed working with are Serj Tankian and Jethro Tull.

- How much has your popularity made an impact on your life today? Has that influenced you any differently from the first time you started performing?
I am not very famous by any means, so my popularity has not had much of an impact on my life. My goal isn't to become a celebrity. I'd rather continue doing what I love, which is creating and performing music.

- You have inspired others to follow their dreams. Knowing this, has anyone told you what your music means to them and how has that inspired you in your songwriting? Do you now only write songs based on what you feel you want to convey to everyone?
In the past, I have received emails from people who were not really interested in the violin until they heard it in rock music. Other people have told me how certain songs helped them through tough circumstances in their lives. However, when I write, I just take a basic idea and develop it in any way I can. Whenever I have tried to over think the purpose or direction of a song, the quality of it has suffered.

- Are you currently touring now? any plans for a major tour?
Not at the moment. I will continue to play in the Southern California area until anything bigger presents itself.

- Any upcoming projects or collaboration you'd like to tell SOADFans about?
I am recording and mixing my official EP at the moment. I still have to finish my freshman year at USC, but after that, who knows what could happen. :)

For more info & to hear music samples, you can check Antonio's myspace: http://www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli 

Thanks Antonio ~ :)

Thanks everyone sent out their questions!

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