Molly Shira, violin and viola performer and teacher

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Bio

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Molly Shira began her music studies on viola as a child. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in viola performance at the University of Iowa and her Master of Arts in music at the University of Northern Iowa. While in Iowa, she played viola with the Cedar Rapids Symphony, the Dubuque Symphony, and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony. She taught violin and viola at the Northeast Iowa School of Music and Suzuki violin at the University of Northern Iowa Suzuki School.

She has taken Suzuki teacher training in violin and viola at institutes in Stevens Point, WI and Hartford, CT with Nancy Lokken, Vera McCoy-Sulentic, and Elizabeth Stuen Walker.

Molly has resided in Boston since 2006. She teaches Suzuki violin at the All Newton Music School, Suzuki and traditional violin at Artisan Music Studios, and Suzuki and traditional violin to private students at home or in their schools. She plays viola with the Newton Symphony Orchestra. She can sometimes be found busking around the Boston area.

Résumé

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Molly Shira
Violin and Viola Performer and Teacher

Professional Experience

Freelance violinist/violist, Boston MA area, 2006-present
Weddings, parties, other events as requested
Newton Symphony Orchestra, Newton MA, 2006-present
Section viola
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, Cedar Falls IA, 1998-2005
Section viola
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Dubuque IA, 1997-2003
Assistant principal viola
Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, Cedar Rapids IA, 1996-2000
Section viola

Teaching Experience

Artisan Music Studios, Boston MA, 2007-present
All Newton Music School, Newton MA, 2006-present
Private Studio, Boston MA area, 2006-present
University of Northern Iowa Suzuki School, Cedar Falls IA, 2002 - 2005
Northeast Iowa School of Music, Dubuque IA, 2001 - 2003
Private Studio, Iowa City IA, 1998-2001

Education

BA Music and English, University of Iowa, 1994
MA Music, University of Northern Iowa, 2007

Sound clips

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Orange Blossom Special, violin (video clip, above)

Schumann: Maerchenbilder-Rasch, viola

Bach: Suite #4 Bourrée I/II, viola

Bach: Suite #4 Gigue, viola

Clarke: I'll Bid My Heart Be Still, viola

Contact info

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Molly can be contacted via e-mail at triquetra13 at gmail dot com or via phone at 617.650.1812 .

FAQs

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1. What would you say...ya DO here?
I teach violin and viola lessons to children and adults of (almost) any age and ability. I have a particular love for working with children who have learning disabilities, anxiety, high energy, or any other reasons they might require flexibility and creativity in the lesson approach. I have taken Suzuki teacher training, and I have experience with traditional teaching methods. I am also available to hire for events including (but not limited to): weddings, parties, romantic dinners, anything else you might want a violinist for. I specialize in classical music and fiddle tunes, but I enjoy just about any type of music and would be happy to discuss other ideas.

2. What's Suzuki?
As is so often the case, Wikipedia has an article that sums it up more concisely than I could.

3. Why "Road to Boston"?
It's a fiddle tune, and I live in Boston, so it seemed appropriate. Apparently, it's also the Official Ceremonial March of Massachusetts.

4. Do other states have ceremonial marches?
I have no idea.

5. What's your rate for lessons/events?
Highly variable, depending on multiple factors. Contact me and we'll talk.

6. Will you travel for lessons/events?
Generally yes, although it depends on how far, how often, and for how long. Contact me and we'll talk.

7. I really want a string quartet. Can you make that happen?
It's quite possible. Again with the contacting and the talking.

8. What's the difference between a duck?
One of its legs is both the same. Thanks, Grandma.