Daniel Lamas

A versatile and charismatic artist, Chilean-American violist Daniel Lamas maintains a dynamic career as both performer and educator. Since his solo debut at sixteen, Daniel has appeared globally as a recitalist, chamber musician, and orchestral principal.

As an orchestral musician, Daniel has held the distinguished position of principal violist with the Musik Landschaft Westfalen Philharmonie in Germany and the Penderecki Academy Orchestra in Poland, performing with esteemed ensembles across France, Chile, and the United States. As the founding principal violist of the Orquesta de Cámara de Valdivia, he engaged deeply with communities throughout southern Chile, using music as a bridge. In 2010, Daniel was featured as a soloist with the OCV in Valdivia, earning widespread acclaim. This performance was particularly impactful in rural areas, where the viola's presence and the concerto's rich sounds were transformative experiences.

Daniel is committed to expanding the viola's repertoire and transcending traditional boundaries. Deeply influenced by his Chilean heritage, he is dedicated to showcasing new works by Chilean and Latin American composers. He has premiered a diverse array of innovative solo and chamber pieces from contemporary composers worldwide, many dedicated to him. A career highlight was the 2020 performance of the "Tirana" Viola Concerto, crafted for him by Dr. Derek Cooper, echoing the rich tapestry of Chilean culture. Recently, Daniel performed at Carnegie Hall, highlighting commissioned works by renowned Chilean and Latin American composers, amplifying indigenous musical traditions on the global stage. He has also commissioned a new viola concerto set to premiere in the 2025-2026 season.

Educated at the Manhattan School of Music and the Paris Conservatoire, Daniel studied under esteemed teachers including Daniel Avshalomov, Teodor Coman, Karen Dreyfus, Michael Klotz, Patinka Kopec, Antoine Tamestit, and Misha Vitenson.

A distinguished music educator and sought-after pedagogue, Daniel is known for his meticulous and tailored approach to instruction. He is dedicated to building robust technical and musical foundations, ensuring that each lesson aligns with the student's unique artistic journey. Whether guiding beginners, adult enthusiasts, or conservatory-bound students, Daniel’s commitment to their growth is unwavering.

With extensive experience in higher education, Daniel has mentored students at institutions such as Florida International University, the Krakow Conservatory, and Austral University of Chile, as well as pre-college talents from the Juilliard School’s MAP program. His students have gained admission to prestigious music programs, including the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Program and the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Many excel as freelance and regional orchestra musicians both nationally and internationally.

Daniel is dedicated to teaching Suzuki group violin classes for Kindergarten through fifth grade, expertly laying the foundation for young beginners' musical journeys. Through engaging and age-appropriate instruction, he fosters a love for music and instills essential skills that students will carry throughout their artistic development. He takes great pride in working with newly immigrated students from Latin America, offering instruction in both violin and viola. As an immigrant himself, Daniel finds this work especially rewarding, creating a deep cultural connection and providing students with a nurturing environment to explore their musical talents.

During the summers, Daniel serves as Artist Faculty at the Killington Music Festival in Vermont, where he inspires and nurtures emerging musicians in viola and chamber music.

Daniel has further refined his pedagogical skills through Suzuki Teacher Training at the Memphis, Greater Austin, and Japan Seattle Suzuki Institutes, benefiting from mentorship by renowned educators such as Colleen Fitzgerald, Oscar Soler, and Cathryn Lee.

Passionate about music education, Daniel is committed to empowering his students and instilling in them a lifelong love for music and the tools to achieve their artistic ambitions.

Daniel Lamas employs a holistic and tailored teaching approach that emphasizes the individual artistic journey of each student. He believes in building a strong technical foundation while fostering creativity and musical expression. Daniel’s lessons are meticulously designed to align with the unique goals, interests, and abilities of his students, whether they are beginners, adult enthusiasts, or aspiring conservatory musicians. He uses a combination of traditional techniques and innovative methods, ensuring that each session is engaging and productive.

In addition to technical proficiency, Daniel places significant importance on nurturing a love for music. He creates a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel free to explore their artistic voices. His background as an immigrant informs his sensitivity to the challenges faced by newly arrived students, allowing him to connect deeply with them. Daniel's dedication extends beyond the classroom; he actively mentors students in their musical journeys, helping them achieve goals such as auditions for prestigious programs and performances in various ensembles. Ultimately, his teaching is characterized by a commitment to empowering students, instilling in them the confidence and skills needed to thrive both musically and personally.