Dakota Kievman

Dakota developed a strong passion for the violin very early in her life. She started playing at age 2 after showing strong interest while hearing a recording of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major on the radio. Since then she has continued her studies performing in many recitals and concerts. At the age of 6, Dakota played as the soloist for the world premiere of her father’s piece “Starving Angels” with the Serioso String Quartet. After joining the Stretto Youth Orchestra, she grew passionate about chamber music and eventually became the concertmaster of the orchestra. After graduating, she went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree at Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Dakota has played in multiple world tours and music festivals including, Orvieto Strings Festival and The Philadelphia International Music Festival. She has performed with Grammy-nominated pianist Mark Livshits as well as in concert under the baton of Maestro Kensho Watanabe, former assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has had the opportunity to study with some of the most distinguished musicians in the world including the renowned members of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Since the age of 14, Dakota has found teaching to be a profound and rewarding experience and hopes to extend her love and appreciation for classical music to today’s youth. She currently offers private lessons around the Philadelphia area.

Currently, Dakota studies with Meichen Liao-Barnes in pursuit of her masters degree.

PHILOSOPHY

“I believe that music should be accessible to all people and that everyone has an innate musical ability. My goal is to spread music to as many people as possible whether it be through performing or teaching. Music is one of the greatest therapy that there is and people can express through music what words lack.

Learning an instrument gives one a whole new set of tools to express themselves. From an early age, I was mesmerized by how music affects the brain. Aside from being an emotional outlet, it has been one of the greatest brain exercises for me. Learning to read and react to notes at such a quick pace has been a great exercise in reaction time as well as thinking and fast decision making. Problem-solving and logical thinking is also improved through the study of music which is why many musicians excel in math.

Aside from all of the magnificent benefits of learning and listening to music, my philosophy is that anyone has the capacity to engage in some form. I adapt my teaching style to fit the student. Beginning by cultivating the students’ love and patience for music practice, we work on the foundation that will develop a strong technique. A well-developed technique allows a player to communicate the emotion through his or her instrument. Together, we learn the skill of efficiency and develop the tools needed for self-practice.

I love music. Playing, listening, watching, practicing, learning. Developing a great appreciation and understanding for music is a valuable life skill that I hope to spread to as many people as I can!”