Jonathan Kuehn

Jonathan Kuehn originates from the Puget Sound region near Seattle WA. As an avid chamber musician, he was a founding member of the UW Baroque Ensemble and the SOL Chamber Orchestra. Alongside his collaborations on violin, Jonathan also plays viola and has received coaching from Brooklyn Rider, and from the St. Lawrence and Brentano string quartets. He has performed regularly with orchestras across the Sound and in Phoenix AZ, supported by his training at the Round Top Festival Institute and the Monteux School and Music Festival. Jonathan has appeared as soloist with the Sammamish Symphony and has given solo recitals that included music by Bach, Paganini, and Saariaho. He has performed in masterclasses with Nathan Cole, Shawn Weil, Jonathan Godfrey, Ming-Feng Hsin, Gabriel Lefkowitz, and Vesna Stankovic. Past teachers include Jonathan Swartz, Maria Larionoff, Joseph Gottesman, and Dennis Helppie.

With over 9 years of experience guiding students of all ages on their musical path through their instrument, Jonathan remains excited to share his musical and technical knowledge with his students. By encouraging students to be curious and to become their own best teacher, he strives to engage every student uniquely to best cultivate their connection with music. Beyond music, he has studied meteorology and takes interest in archery, flying, sailing, hiking, and camping.

The fundamental principal of my teaching philosophy is the recognition that no two students need the same form of instruction. This applies to both physical instruction with the instrument and with the development of musicianship. There are many successful ways to play the instrument and therefore neglecting positive elements of other 'schools of playing' would be a mistake, even if they don’t resemble my playing. Furthermore, students need a balance of verbal instruction and the development of a thoughtful ear. Always being flexible and searching for the best path forward of each student is my goal as a teacher.

Sometimes a player’s technical progress is misinterpreted as the only indicator of value, especially those who might plateau at times before periods of growth. During my time as a student however, many of my most memorable lessons provided me with wisdom beyond technical advise. Music also can serve as a platform for mentorship and the appreciation of art. Ultimately it is an avenue of great expression of the human spirit, one that I am grateful to be a part of.