JAVS Summer 2026

Book Reviews

Restrung by Vijay Gupta and Veneer by Stephen Upshaw: JAVS Review by Kayleigh Miller

incarceration, mental illness, and other forms of profound hardship. Before founding the organization, however, his own life followed a very different trajectory. Pushed onto the path of a child prodigy by both parents and teachers, Gupta completed college studies in both pre-med and music while still a teenager and earned a position in a major symphony orchestra at just nineteen years old. Restrung weaves together many compelling threads: the sacrifices made by his immigrant parents in pursuit of the American dream; his genuine love for music; the relentless pressure of perfectionism and its lasting consequences; the realization that even achieving his dream career left him unfulfilled; and, ultimately, his search for a deeper purpose through music. That search led him to bring live performances into places where music is rarely heard but desperately needed—mental health facilities, correctional institutions, homeless shelters, and communities often overlooked by society. More than a memoir, Restrung asks important questions about the purpose of art and the way we teach music. Gupta thoughtfully challenges conventional ideas about musical success and pedagogy, inviting readers to consider whether technical excellence alone is enough—or whether our greatest responsibility as musicians is to foster empathy, healing, and connection. Beautifully written and deeply personal, Restrung is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Even as Gupta explores difficult chapters of his life, his storytelling remains compelling and hopeful. I found it impossible to put down. I would recommend this book to every musician—not only for the inspiration it offers, but also as an invitation to reflect on our own musical journeys and how we might use music to build meaningful connections with others.

Title: Restrung Author: Vijay Gupta Publisher : Da Capo Publication date : June 9, 2026 ISBN-10 : 0306835967

Restrung by Vijay Gupta While Restrung is written from the perspective of a violinist, Vijay Gupta’s story resonates far beyond the world of string players. It is a powerful memoir for musicians, parents, and teachers alike—anyone interested in the ways music creates human connection, the cost of pushing children toward perfection, and the profound role music can play beyond the concert hall. Gupta is the founder of Street Symphony, a Los Angeles based nonprofit dedicated to bringing the healing power of music to people experiencing homelessness,

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, Summer 2026 Online Issue

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