I started Suzuki violin lessons at 4 1/2. Later, the commute to the Suzuki teacher became too much for my family, and as Suzuki teachers were few and far between at the time, I had traditional violin lessons. In 8th grade I took up the viola. As a senior in high school when everyone was leaning toward engineering and computer science, I realized I didn’t want to leave music behind and wanted to keep studying it. My future plans were rather vague at that time, but I enrolled at University of Northern Colorado as a music major. I later transferred to University of Denver where I completed my degree in viola. After several years of working non-musical jobs I felt the lack of music in my life so I enrolled in and completed the Suzuki teacher training program at DU with James Maurer. I have at least 15 years experience teaching violin and viola lessons.

Teaching lessons as a private studio teacher is a joy for me. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to teach others to play the violin and viola and give others the chance to experience the personal growth and joy that comes from playing the violin and/or viola.

I am a member of Suzuki Association of the Americas, Suzuki Association of Colorado (former board member), American Viola Society, Rocky Mountain Viola Society (secretary.)

I may be contacted at 303 487-7124 or Laura.R.McDermott@gmail.com