Mari Napoli

Mari De Napoli is currently pursuing her master's degree at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music in violin performance with Blair Milton. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCLA with her degree in Violin Performance. She has been playing violin for 19 years, beginning with the Suzuki method, and has studied at the Pasadena Suzuki Music Program, the Colburn School, and Pasadena Conservatory. With extensive experience performing solo repertoire, chamber and orchestral music, her engagements have taken her to venues from Carnegie Hall to Sibelius Academy in Finland. In Los Angeles, she has been an avid studio musician, recording for commercials, TV shows, films, and Grammy-nominated artists.  She has had the opportunity to collaborate with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Arturo Sandoval, Anne Akiko Meyers, Herbie Hancock, and more. 

Lately, she can be seen performing with the South Side Symphony, Santa Monica Symphony, Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, the American Youth Symphony, and on commercial recordings such as DRAMA's "Dance Without Me" record. When not performing or teaching, she can be found cooking, watercoloring, or spending as much time outdoors as possible. 

My teaching philosophy is very much aligned with the Suzuki method, of which I am a certified member of ECC and books 1-3-- I believe that every child can. Every person can absolutely learn and excel at playing music, and I would be honored to be a part of your musical journey. I try to be patient, open, encouraging, and direct (with positive construction) to meet each student's need and foster that love of music. I am flexible with my curriculum to meet my students where they are-- I encourage all my students to play music that excites them, whether that is the Celtic music or music by Lindsey Stirling. I teach classical music, with an emphasis on good set-up, technique, solo repertoire, and orchestral repertoire. I am able to teach beginners to advanced students, kids to adults. If you're looking to keep up with classes at school or just looking to start a hobby during quarantine, feel free to drop me a note (pun intended)! I currently run my own private studio, and look forward to building that community of music-learners.