Learn from Great Viola Teachers

Hi, my name is Irena. I'm a violist and an interdisciplinary artist that loves working with experimental music, free improvisation and contemporary music. I finished my Bachelor (2011-2016) with with artistic - pedagogical Profile in Germany at the State University for Music in Saarbrücken (HfM Saar), where I also did my master, Master of Education - Advanced Music Pedagogy…

As an active advocate of performing music of all sorts of different styles and genres, Noel Medford, violinist and violist, has performed across the United States and in Europe. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Viola Performance at the University of Memphis. Mr. Medford enjoys performing regularly in several symphony orchestras across the mid-south.

I am a Juilliard trained violist and violinist, and I teach in order to share my love of music with as many people as I can! I teach music lessons and perform from the Boston area. Until recently I performed as second solo viola in the Opera Orchestra National Montpellier in France. I teach a studio of students ranging from complete beginners to pre-professionals.

Taylor Sapanara has been teaching privately for 8 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Viola Performance from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Viola Performance from University of Colorado, Boulder. She has studied with viola pedagogues Susan Dubois, Jeffery Irvine, Carol Rodland, Nancy Buck, and Erika Eckert.

Abby Douglas began her intense studies in viola performance at Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, where she studied under the leadership of Professor Rose Armbrust Griffin. Abby continues to pursue opportunities for growth in her craft, and she will begin graduate studies at Texas Christian University (TCU) in the fall of 2025 under the study of Dr.

Jenna, with a BMA in Violin Performance and a Master's in Orchestral Career Studies, boasts 26 years of violin mastery. She developed a flourishing studio during her Master’s program. As Violin Instructor at Brookfield School, Jenna received first hand training in the Suzuki Method and expanded the program into a full orchestra.

Andrew F. Simpson — Principal Violist | Orchestral Audition Specialist With a professional career spanning over 45 years across Europe and North America, I bring firsthand experience from the world’s great concert halls directly to my students. Since 1978 I have been an active performer as orchestral musician, chamber musician, and soloist.

I began playing the violin at the age of 11. My first violin instruction was in Reno, Nevada with Valerie Nelson of the Reno Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Since the late 90's, I have played in over a dozen symphony orchestras, soloing with the Orchestra of Southern Utah, the Southwest Symphony, and the Symphony of the Canyons.

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.

A musical trailblazer with an insatiable passion for teaching and learning, Benjamin Wu has taught internationally in the United States and Afghanistan and has performed in music festivals and recital halls around the world including in the United States, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Taiwan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and in Australia at the world renown Sydney Opera House.