Mary-Elizabeth Holby

-Over 60 5-star reviews on a different teaching platform

-28 years teaching experience

-10 years online teaching experience

Located in Los Angeles. 

I am a professional violin/fiddle/guitar/uke player, singer and music educator. I have recently relocated from NYC to Los Angeles for a little more sun and sand. In Los Angeles I play live music all over, mostly Irish and other folk music. In New York I performed and taught music classes all over Manhattan and Brooklyn. I truly enjoy teaching and fulfilling the students needs and seeing them progress as a musician. You are the most important part of our classes.

I worked for the NYC Department of Education and the Connecticut Department of Education as a substitute classroom and general music teacher (2015-2018). I have substantial experience teaching students with many different kinds special needs, in special education, and students with learning differences.

In 1999 | was awarded a full-tuition scholarship through an audition through the North American World Scholarship Program to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 2001 | was awarded the String Department Special Recognition Award. At Berklee I earned a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance (Class of 2003)

I began my studies as a young child with the Suzuki Method (which focuses on learning by ear, substantial parental involvement, and only later reading music.) In high school I began studying jazz/blues improvisation, composition, and music theory. At Berklee College of Music I focused on jazz and all kinds of contemporary and traditional music.

After graduating I was awarded a position at the Henry Mancini Institute (2003) in Los Angeles and was privileged to work with some of the biggest names in music including Diana Krall and Christian McBride.

I traveled and toured in Western Europe for much of 2003.

In 2004-2006 I played for Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited, Ala Nar, and Disco Organica. 

In 2006 moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. I played in many bands and festivals, including Roskilde, Northern Europe's largest music festival, and learned to speak Danish. 

In 2008 I moved to Montreal, Canada, playing in more bands and festivals all across Quebec. 

In 2013 I moved back to the U.S. and later to NYC. I spent 5 years in NYC teaching and performing, and I now reside in Los Angeles. 

I'm patient and make classes fun for any age, great with child or adult beginners.

You are welcome if you're brand new to violin or if you've played for years.

I have taught privately all over the U.S., including as a workshop leader, ensemble coach, and remain one of the most sought-after online teachers and a student favorite for beginner-intermediate.

My teaching method is special because my students find classes inspiring and keep coming back.

I have been teaching privately and in music schools for 28 years, as well as online for nearly 10. I teach ages 5+. We learn songs that you are interested in. You will receive a balanced music education that covers all aspects of playing music.

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