Emily Graber

Vioin

Sign up for lessons with Emily
Sign up for lessons with Emily

Emily Graber is a Washington, DC–based violinist, violist, and interdisciplinary sound artist offering violin lessons for all ages and skill levels at Takoma Music School. With a background in both classical performance and cutting-edge music technology, Emily provides a thoughtful, engaging approach to teaching that supports beginners through advanced students.

Teaching Style & Approach

Emily teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced violin students, tailoring lessons to each individual’s goals while building strong technical and musical foundations. Her teaching incorporates:

  • Suzuki method repertoire (for beginner and intermediate students)

  • Scales, etudes, and classical excerpts

  • Ear training and musical expression

  • Performance preparation and confidence-building

For advanced students, Emily expands beyond Suzuki repertoire, helping students prepare for auditions, competitions, and advanced performance opportunities, while also introducing extended techniques and contemporary styles.

Musical Background & Education

Emily began playing violin at age 7 and performed as a soloist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra at age 15. She went on to study violin performance at the University of Michigan under Yehonatan Berick, earning a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance alongside a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Physics.

She later earned a PhD from Stanford University’s Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA), where her research focused on interactive musical systems and how musicians and listeners perceive rhythm and tempo. This unique background informs her highly analytical yet creative teaching style.

Performance & Artistic Work

Emily is an active performer in the DC area and beyond, currently playing with:

  • Avanti Orchestra

  • NowNet Arts Ensemble

Her work as a violinist and sound artist has been presented internationally at venues and institutions including:

  • The Square DC

  • IRCAM (Paris)

  • University of Oslo

  • Banff Centre

  • Stanford University (CCRMA)

She has also participated in prestigious festivals such as:

  • Banff Concert in the 21st Century

  • soundSCAPE Festival

  • Bowdoin International Music Festival

  • St. Lawrence String Quartet Seminar

Creative Work & Interdisciplinary Practice

In addition to performing, Emily creates interactive music experiences and sound installations, often collaborating across film, dance, and digital media. Her work explores how sound, technology, and human perception intersect—bringing a modern, exploratory dimension to her teaching.

Who She Teaches

Emily works with:

  • Beginner violin students (children, teens, and adults)

  • Intermediate players developing technique and repertoire

  • Advanced students preparing for auditions and competitions

Her lessons are supportive, structured, and engaging—designed to help students build confidence, discipline, and a lasting connection to music.

Watch Emily Perform

Explore Emily’s performances and recordings:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@emilygraber