More About Me
Receiving a Masters Degree in Violin Performance at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, under the tutelage of world-renowned teacher Sally O'Reilly prepared me for a wide spectrum of musical endeavors. From having been the soloist in the US premiere of Elisabeth Raum's Capriccio for Violin and Orchestra with Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra and performing in excess of 100 chamber concerts in the US, Sweden, and Denmark, to teaching all levels of violin and viola students, I feel I have covered a wide base of musical activities. My most recent teaching positions include being Instructor of Violin and Viola at Punahou School, Honolulu since 2005 as well as a one year position as Lecturer of Violin at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. I was fully trained in the Suzuki Method at University of Minnesota by Professor Mark Bjork. Among my performance credits from festivals include performances with Trio Franz Berwald within the Vendsyssel and Skagen Art Museum Festivals in Denmark.
Lessons I Provide
Beginner Fundamentals
I specialize in Beginner Fundamentals, and know how to reach my students with the right balance of personalized attention, patience, practical training, and positive encouragement. I make learning fun through a variety of engaging and outside-the-box activities. I was fully trained in the Suzuki Method at University of Minnesota under Professor Mark Bjork. (Here in front of an electronic sign in Aalborg, Denmark, announcing our concert with Danish organist Erling Thomsen.)
Advanced Students
Having studied with world renowned teacher Sally O'Reilly, and in master classes with, among others, Cho-Liang Lin, Sally Thomas, and Josef Gingold, has prepared me to teach advanced violin and viola students. While being a Lecturer of Violin at Gustavus Adolphus College, two of my students were winners of the college concerto competitions. In my class at Punahou School I have also been proud to have had one of the Principal Violas of Punahou Symphony for two years. (Here with my husband Jonas and renowned Swedish luthier Peter Westerlund.)
String Performance Ensemble at Punahou School
String Performance Ensemble is for beginning, intermediate and advanced string students. It provides an opportunity for students to learn and perform solo music in a large ensemble setting. Repertoire includes classical music, as well as rock, jazz, tangos and fiddling. Class meets bi-weekly on Saturdays from 3:30pm-5:00pm.
Welcome to contact me for more information. Mia
(Here with my husband Jonas and Russian pianist Nonna Shilo-Svensson after a concert in Stockholm, Sweden.)
