JoAnna Farrer

I'm the concertmaster of the Savannah Philharmonic, and a tenured member of the New Jersey Symphony. I'm also a graduate of the Juilliard School, where I studied with Glenn Dicterow, former concertmaster of the NY Philharmonic. I enjoy working with students of all ages and levels, and enjoy working with students of all ages.  With Itzhak Perlman, I've performed the Vivaldi Concerto for four violins at Carnegie Hall, as well as in a Live from Lincoln Center broadcast, and performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic.

I have a wide variety of chamber music experience, including performances with Pinchas Zukerman, Emanuel Ax and Itzhak Perlman, and I've appeared at Merkin Hall with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. I've performed mixed-genre works (Scottish folk and classical) on both electric and acoustic instruments in NY, Paris, Chicago, and London. My debut album, Liminal Paths, was released in 2022.

I've taught privately for over 20 years, and have led workshops and masterclasses in the US, Europe, and Asia. While I enjoy working with students of all levels, I especially enjoy helping musicians prepare for auditions and competitions, as well as expand their technique and reach new levels of expression with their instruments.

As a violin teacher, I bring a wealth of professional experience and passion to every lesson. With my background as Concertmaster of the Savannah Philharmonic and a member of the New Jersey Symphony, I have a deep understanding of both orchestral and solo performance. My teaching style is rooted in the rigorous training I received at Juilliard from age six, combined with the invaluable mentorship of world-class musicians like Itzhak Perlman, Glenn Dicterow, Pinchas Zukerman. 

I believe in tailoring my approach to meet each student's individual goals, whether they aim to perform professionally or simply enjoy the joy of playing music. My lessons focus on building a solid technical foundation, enhancing musical expression, and developing a love for the violin. Having premiered contemporary works and performed in diverse settings—from Carnegie Hall to international festivals—I also encourage exploration beyond classical music, incorporating different genres like Celtic music into my teaching. 

Patience, encouragement, and a clear path for growth are central to how I work with students. My goal is to inspire confidence and help them realize their potential, all while fostering a deep appreciation for the art of violin playing.