Violin & Viola
Agnieszka (Victoria) Peszko
|
A native of Poland, Agnieszka Victoria Peszko, is an active recitalist and a devoted teacher residing in the United States. She has appeared as a soloist at renowned venues in her home country, such as the President’s Gallery, the Warsaw Music Society, and the Warsaw Philharmonic. In Europe she has performed in Poland, Finland, Germany, and in the United States she has given concerts in New York, New Jersey, and Colorado. In addition to performing solo repertoire, Ms. Peszko is particularly fond of chamber music. She has been a founding member of The Cali Piano Trio.
Ms. Peszko won several prizes at national and international competitions, including second prize at the Concerto Competition at Montclair State University, second prize at the J. Garscia International Competition, the First International Young Violinist Competition, the First Regional Chamber Music Competition, fourth prize at the G.F. Telemann Competition, and first distinction at the G. Bacewicz Competition. Ms. Peszko believes that every student has the ability to grow musically and technically and it is teacher’s responsibility to inspire, encourage and provide professional guidance to each student individually. As a teacher, she enjoys working with all her students and she takes great pride in her students’ success. Many of her pupils has participated and received First Class Honors at the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program as well as performed in seasonal concerts and recitals. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and rock climbing. |
Shaina Pan
|
Shaina Pan is a violinist with a passion for arts education. Shaina holds degrees in Violin Performance and English from Indiana University, and recently completed graduate studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As an advocate for music by living composers, Shaina has premiered dozens of new chamber works and has worked with artists such as Kate Soper, Augusta Read Thomas, Ken Ueno, Terry Riley, and the Kronos Quartet, among others. She has performed with the IU New Music Ensemble, the Atlantic Music Festival Contemporary Ensemble, the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, and the Lucerne Festival Academy. She performs regularly with The Orchestra Now in Hudson Valley, NY.
Shaina teaches students of all ages and levels and is trained in Mimi Zweig's String Pedagogy Method. She taught group violin classes and private lessons at the IU Jacobs School of Music String Academy, as well as Fairview Elementary School in Bloomington, Indiana. Her teaching method is tailored to each student’s individual technical needs, but above all, it prioritizes physical freedom and a positive, non-judgmental environment. |
Lucia Pontoniere
|
Lucia Pontoniere plays violin, guitar, sings, and writes songs. She graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in violin performance, where she studied with world-renowned fiddle players and violinists such as Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, and Matt Glaser. Lucia began playing violin at the age of six and has always seen violin as her first musical love, but also enjoys songwriting and singing as a creative outlet.
Lucia grew up in the Bay Area, and after spending five years on the East Coast is excited to call it home again. She tours the country with her band called The Ladles, an indie-folk singer-songwriter group. In addition, she enjoys freelancing with different bands, teaching music, and doing studio work. Lucia has played on many band’s albums, and for a couple TV shows as well! Music is her greatest passion in life and she is so excited to share that passion with as many people as possible. Lucia has seen first hand how music can change lives, as well as be a fun and creative way to learn and grow. She has experience teaching all ages, both group classes and private lessons. Lucia has taught classical violin as well as fiddle, guitar, and voice. |