Ruben McFarlane
About
Originally from upstate New York, Ruben McFarlane is a violist, string pedagogue, and arts administrator currently living in the Boston area. He holds Bachelor Degrees with Summa Cum Laude honors in Viola Performance and Music Education from Penn State University, and a Master Degree in Viola Performance from The Catholic University of America.
Passionate about teaching young string players, Ruben teaches private violin and viola lessons through his private lesson studio. He previously worked as a string teacher in various Northern Virginia public school districts. Outside of the public schools, he was a former teaching artist with the DC Youth Orchestra Program and Prince George's Philharmonic Educational Outreach Program, and summer teaching assistant at the Parsons Children’s and Family Center.
An active performer and freelance violist, Ruben has performed in venues across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, China, and South Korea. He previously held positions with the Williamsport Symphony, Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. He previously attended the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Viola/Viola Seminar at Music from Salem, and Miami Classical Music Festival.
Ruben's Pillars of Instruction
- Lessons are goal-based and developed by the student
- Important life skills are developed through musical studies and transfer beyond music.
- "Triangle Theory:" collaboration between students, parents, and teacher to achieve greatest musical growth and development
- Developing life-long "citizens and advocates" of music and the arts
BM in Viola Performance: Penn State University
BME in Music Education: Penn State University
MM in Viola Performance: The Catholic University of America