About

Dana is a violist, violinist, and music teacher with experience guiding students to pursue a diverse range of musical interests, from Renaissance-era counterpoint to MF DOOM samples.

Instrumental lessons are more than instrumental technique: they develop broader musical abilities and life skills, supporting lifelong musical activities and relationships. Through intensive musical study, every string student builds a foundation of musicianship skills, including ear training, practical music theory, historical knowledge, ensemble skills, and fundamental skills needed for composition and improvisation.

Dana holds a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from Northwestern University (class of 2019), where she studied viola with Helen Callus, and a Master of Arts in the Humanities from The University of Chicago (class of 2021), where she prepared a thesis on the history of music theory. Her teaching career began with string classes in after school programs, including the Ravinia Festival’s intensive “Reach, teach, play” program. In this program, she collaborated with other teaching artists to work with a quintet of young violinists, violists, and cellists.

In addition to her private studio, she is assistant director of Sycamore Strings Academy, teaches strings and music theory at Good Vibes Music Academy, and will begin teaching violin in the Suzuki program at Crowden in Fall 2025. Students interested in developing ensemble skills are encouraged to audition for Sycamore Strings Academy ensembles. Those interested in music theory and technology are encouraged to have their lessons at Good Vibes.

She is a chamber musician who enjoys collaborating with local artists, including contributing string sounds to their original compositions. She plays viola in the Maenad Trio (flute, guitar, viola).

Dana’s teaching philosophy is deeply influenced by the teaching of Shinichi Suzuki, John Kendall, and Paul Rolland. She has completed Suzuki violin teacher training through Unit 3, Suzuki Early Childhood Education teacher training through Stage 1 (babies and toddlers), and she has attended the Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Workshop. She is currently studying Suzuki Pedagogy with Göran Berg.

She accepts students of all ages. Course content adapts to student readiness.

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