Learn from Great Strings Teachers

Hello, My name is James B. Larson. I'm a high school string orchestra director in Minnesota. I enjoy conducting, performing, and teaching violin and string orchestra.

Maria Semes is a tenured member in the viola section of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Prior to joining the Baltimore Symphony, Maria was a tenured member of the Louisville Orchestra violin section from 2014-2022. She played in the first violins for 5 years and then was 3rd chair in the second violins.

Hello, I’m Hiyori! I have experience tutoring violinists and violists of all ages and skill levels, ranging from 5 years old to over 70. In my private lessons, I prioritize building a strong foundation in music theory alongside technical development, as I believe understanding the “why” behind the music is essential for long-term growth.

Cellist MaryGrace Bender pursues a multi-faceted career in performance, recording, and music education. As a Suzuki teacher, Bender seeks to reach every child through music and prides herself in her students. Bender teaches privately in Nashville and is on faculty at Union University.

Understanding the violin is the fastest way to improve. Many violinists reach a point where they know what they want to achieve but do not know how to get there: a sound that does not improve, recurring technical difficulties, unnecessary tension, or the feeling of being stuck despite practicing many hours.

Gina received her Masters Degree in Viola Performance from Hopkins University. She has studied and worked with Roberto Diaz, Mick Wetzel, Peter Marsh and Michelle LaCourse. Gina can be heard and seen in numerous TV, recording and Film projects that include United Airlines, Apple TV, the TV series “Fargo” and The Alan Parsons Project to name a few.

What's up! I’m a guitarist and bassist with over 20 years of playing experience and a deep love for music that’s both powerful and personal. I'm a founding member of Saticöy, an alt-rock/punk band based in Los Angeles that blends high-energy drive with emotional depth and catchy songwriting.

Joshua didn't discover his destiny as a banjo player until later in life, but once he did, he set out to fulfill this destiny with a seemingly endless well of energy and enthusiasm. As a lifelong self-taught musician, Joshua has played in a wide variety of contexts.

I am a professionally trained violinist with a classical foundation and deep experience in improvisation, world music, and contemporary styles. I studied in England at Dartington College of Arts and completed postgraduate jazz studies at the Guildhall School of Music in London.

My name is Tristan Norton and I have been a guitarist, bassist, gigging, composing, and teaching musician in Northern California for 13 years. I am a graduate of Berkeley’s prestigious California Jazz Conservatory with a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Studies.