Learn from Great Strings Teachers

Raquel Flores, originally from Porto Alegre, south of Brazil, has been studying music since she was eight years old. She currently has a degree in Music from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, has training in vocal pedagogy from FullVoice Studios.

I am a violinist, composer, and harpsichordist. I started started playing violin at the age of 4 with the Suzuki method. I transitioned to Celtic music, then Scandinavian, and learned to play the Hardanger fiddle. At university I played in the St Andrews Baroque Orchestra and now play the Baroque violin. I also play harpsichord, having studied with Linda Burman-Hall.

I am offering violin/ viola private lessons for beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced students who need specific training for music programs and orchestra ensembles entry exams or auditions.

Gina received her Masters Degree in Viola Performance from Hopkins University. She has studied and worked with Roberto Diaz, Mick Wetzel, Peter Marsh and Michelle LaCourse. Gina can be heard and seen in numerous TV, recording and Film projects that include United Airlines, Apple TV, the TV series “Fargo” and The Alan Parsons Project to name a few.

Szymon Walenciak (born 1992) is a graduate of the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznań, where he studied with Dr. Tomasz Lisiecki. He honed his skills at numerous courses in Poland and abroad, including those with K. Michalik, T. Daroch, M. Nyikos, and K. Heidrich. As a chamber musician, he was a student of Professor B. Nowicki and Dr. Katarzyna Polonek.

NOTE: I am not accepting students residing within 5 miles of Gaithersburg, MD at this time Andrew Wink is a guitarist, bassist, producer, and songwriter cultivating a balance of passion, storytelling, and innovation with the intention of telling compelling and relevant stories.

David Ibarra is a violinist and teacher with over two decades of performance experience and more than eight years of dedicated teaching. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from The Master’s University, where he studied under accomplished mentors who shaped his artistry and pedagogy.

I am a professional cellist and educator with an international performance and academic background. I hold a Master’s degree from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and, since 2024, I have been pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at McGill University. My performance career includes orchestral, chamber, and solo work across Europe and North America.

Don Spangler is an accomplished guitarist, composer, and educator with over 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance and is a first-place winner of the New England Classical Guitar Competition.

Greetings! My name is Ellen Kidwell. I have about 11 years of teaching both private lessons and currently hold a position as an Orchestra Director in Dallas Texas. I perform regularly on both violin and viola. I have won the Texas Music Educator's Association Collegiate Educator Award, and most recently the Texas Orchestra Directors Association Young Educator of the year.