Marina Tucker

         I have been teaching and playing violin professionally for over ten years. A longtime member of both the Gainesville and Ocala Symphony Orchestras, I have also performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, Central Florida Master Choir, Village Voices Choir, and the International Chamber Ensemble, among others. In 2016, I was awarded the Principal Second violin position with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra (formerly Imperial Symphony) in Lakeland, FL. In 2019, I was appointed to the Principal Second violin position in the Gainesville Orchestra as well. Most recently, I performed Vivaldi’s Concerto in A minor with musicians from the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra in Lakeland and Winter Haven.

        In addition to my busy performance schedule, I have taught violin for various institutions, including the College of Central Florida in Ocala, FL, where she instructed violin, viola and cello students and directed the CF String Ensemble. I enjoy bringing my diverse teaching and performance experiences into my individual lessons, where I can help students focus on what matters most to them.

      I also enjoy learning and performing new music (please check out my video recording of Tuning Exercise Nr. 5 in my displayed videos!) More recordings coming soon!

My teaching philosophy reflects my work with numerous students in diverse settings; I customize my approach to fit the goals and learning strengths of each individual student. Combining different teaching methods helps my students gain proficiency, enable their self-learning, and build their confidence. 

I incorporate critical thinking and listening into my lessons; the more we listen to ourselves and the sounds around us, the better prepared we are to fine-tune our own sound! And yes, that pun was intended! I enjoy interweaving humor in lessons, to help students remember important ideas. I also emphasize efficient and comfortable technique to prevent injury and optimize practice time.