Key to Change is delighted to announce that Seattle Symphony violist Mara Gearman is joining our teaching staff, expanding our capacity to provide world-class music instruction to an ever-growing group of students.
While the viola and violin share many similarities, the viola (pronounced “vee-oh-la”) is a unique instrument that deserves specialized instruction as students progress. Because of the viola’s larger size, producing a beautiful sound requires a different physical and technical approach. The viola also has a rich repertoire of music written specifically for its mellow tone. Today, some of our studio’s most accomplished and dedicated students are violists, which makes this the perfect time to welcome a dedicated viola faculty member.
Mara is one of the nation’s leading orchestral musicians and has already worked with our students on numerous occasions. As Key to Change’s studio of violists grows in quality and quantity, we are thrilled to have such an accomplished player to mentor our students.
A Seattle native and Garfield High School graduate, Mara graduated from the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, widely regarded as the world’s most selective music school, where she studied under Karen Tuttle and Roberto Diaz. In 2002, she joined the Oregon Symphony, where she co-founded the Four Violas and performed at the International Viola Congress. Since returning to Seattle, she has served as Assistant Principal Viola of the Seattle Symphony and appeared as guest principal violist with the Los Angeles Opera and Kansas City Symphony.
A passionate educator, Mara has taught at Central Washington University, Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University, and festivals including Marrowstone and Methow. At Key to Change, Mara will teach private lessons and conduct masterclasses beginning on July 7. We look forward to our students working with her and for all of you to hear the results!
