Violin Lessons
The Peterson School of Music’s violin program offers world-class instruction that nurtures your child’s talent from the very beginning. With access to expert teachers, comprehensive music education, and performance opportunities, your child will develop not only technical skill but also confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for music.
Enroll today and give your child the gift of music and excellence.
DIANA & JOEL PETERSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Our approach
At Gifted Music School, our violin instruction sets the standard for excellence, providing students with the tools and inspiration they need to thrive as musicians. Through our nationally recognized Suzuki Program, even children as young as 2 years old can embark on their musical journey, guided by world-class teachers who nurture their potential from the very first lesson. Our program is designed to not only foster technical skill but also to instill a lifelong love of music.
Gifted Music School offers a comprehensive violin education, where students receive individualized instruction in private lessons, as well as opportunities to explore music theory, chamber music, and orchestral performance. Our holistic approach ensures that students develop into well-rounded musicians, equipped with the confidence and artistry to pursue their musical dreams, whether performing on the world’s greatest stages or enriching their communities through music.
A GIFTED MUSIC SCHOOL TRADITION
EST. 2008
What to expect
Weekly lessons
15 in the fall semester, 17 in the spring, with holiday breaks included
Summer
lessons
Flexible schedule, with a minimum of six lessons required to retain a spot in the studio
In-person format
While in-person lessons are preferred, remote lessons are available based on teacher discretion
Lesson durations
30, 45, and 60 minutes are common, with extended 75 or 90-minute lessons for advanced students
Studio recitals
Each semester includes a performance opportunity for students to showcase their progress
Who our lessons are for
We offer world-class training for students of all ages and levels, from young beginners to adults—our oldest student is 90!
Most of our programs are designed to support growth from preschool through high school graduation, we provide an integrated pathway for musical and personal development. Every program contributes to our goal of fostering future community leaders, engaged citizens, and passionate musicians.
What students will learn
Students will learn essential techniques like how to hold the bow correctly to control the pressure, angle, and speed of the bow to produce a clean sound.
New students will practice how to hold the violin correctly, resting it on the shoulder with the chin on the chinrest. Proper posture helps prevent strain and sets the foundation for comfortable, fluid playing. Students will also learn how to place their fingers precisely on the fingerboard to produce the right tone
Lesson costs
Tuition for violin lessons varies depending on the instructor and the length of the lesson. Detailed tuition ranges by department are available here. This allows families to choose the best fit for their needs. The lesson package includes all regular lessons, studio recitals, and group performance opportunities, providing a well-rounded musical education.
Our school’s mission is to help as many students as posisble experience the joy of music, regardless of financial constraints. We offer several need- based and merit-based scholarships. We would love to have you apply.
Meet the faculty
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Abby Dreher
Viola instructor and Project GRIT Manager, Abby Dreher, holds a Master’s in Viola Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Abby has performed at festivals like Aspen and Banff and is dedicated to teaching and expanding access to music education through our school’s outreach programs.
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Eugene Watanabe
School Co-Founder and String Area Chair Eugene Watanabe is a celebrated educator and performer. As the first student to graduate with degrees in both violin and piano from the Curtis Institute, he has guided countless students to top music programs like Juilliard and Colburn. Co-founder of Gifted Music School, Eugene is a Steinway Artist with an international performance career, having collaborated with prestigious orchestras and artists worldwide. The Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation Scholarship has helped fund many of Watanabe’s students enabling them to achieve their musical potential.
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Shenae Akagi
Shenae Akagi, a violinist with a Master’s from Yale and a Bachelor’s from Juilliard, has soloed with the Utah Symphony multiple times since her debut at age ten. She has performed at major festivals like Aspen and Verbier, worked with renowned conductors, and is a passionate performer across solo, chamber, and orchestral stages. Shenae also serves as a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.
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Deborah Moench
Deborah Moench has been dedicated to music education since her fifth grade, when she began teaching violin just a year after her own lessons started. Her introduction to the Suzuki Method in 1978 by Hiroko Primrose significantly shaped her teaching style and positively impacted her students. Deborah co-directed Rocky Mountain Strings with Ramona Stirling and served as president of the Suzuki Association of Utah. She also coordinated the 2012 Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference in Minneapolis. A founding board member of Gifted Music School, Deborah is a respected Suzuki violin pedagogue, committed to the importance of ongoing teacher training for educational excellence.
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Monica Yardley Thiriot
Monica Thiriot, with degrees in education and violin performance, brings over 24 years of teaching experience to Peterson School of Music. She has directed youth orchestras across the U.S. and performed with prestigious ensembles, including the Fayetteville Symphony. Monica’s proudest accomplishment is teaching all four of her children violin, performing together for charity and community events.
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David Price
David Price, a substitute member of the Utah Symphony, is a prize-winning violinist and chamber musician. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and has studied with renowned instructors. As a dedicated educator, David has taught at numerous festivals and is a registered Suzuki instructor.
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Caroline Jorden
Caroline Jorden, a Violin Performance major at Brigham Young University, began studying violin at age four. A former student of Gifted Music School’s Conservatory program, Caroline has performed as a soloist with the Utah Valley Symphony and BYU Symphony. She has received numerous awards for her performances and is passionate about music education.
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Rebecca Goeckeritz
Rebecca Goeckeritz, a violinist with over 20 years of teaching experience, began her musical journey despite a childhood injury. A Suzuki-certified instructor, Rebecca performs regularly with Chamber Orchestra Ogden and The Orchestra at Temple Square. She is dedicated to helping her students reach their fullest potential through diligent practice and passion for music.
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Erika Hubbard
Erika Hubbard, a Juilliard-trained violinist with a background in neuroscience from Columbia University, has won awards at prestigious competitions and performed with renowned orchestras like the Princeton Symphony. She brings a deep passion for performance and teaching to her role at Peterson School of Music.
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Linda Duan
Linda Duan, Director of the Conservatory, holds degrees in violin and piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and University of Cincinnati. An accomplished orchestral musician, Linda has performed with top ensembles worldwide and maintains an active teaching studio, while also serving as a substitute violinist for the Utah Symphony.
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Alena Hatch
Alena Hatch, with advanced degrees in Violin Performance and Music Education, is a versatile educator and performer. She has taught violin and piano for many years and currently performs with the Orchestra at Temple Square. Fluent in Spanish, Alena brings her extensive training, including Kodály certification, to her teaching.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to learn more? See further details here, and don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss any additional questions. You can always find us at:
info@petersonschoolofmusic.org
(385) 222-7787
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Signing up for lessons and classes is easy! Go to our new student registration page and fill out the form. You can choose from a variety of programs based on your interests and skill level. We will be in touch with you shortly after the form is completed. If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you in selecting the right program for you or your child.
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We offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of students at every level of their musical journey:
Conservatory: For serious students who gain admission through audition. Once admitted, students receive a full scholarship for all their classes.
Academy: High-level tuition-based lessons and classes open to students of all ages from the general community. Scholarships are available to help support aspiring musicians.
GRIT Program: Our comprehensive outreach program in Title I schools, bringing high-quality music education to underserved communities.
Young Composers Academy (YCA): Tuition-based Conservatory classes and opportunities that are available to the general public.
Suzuki Program: A part of the Preparatory Program, focused on string students using the renowned Suzuki method.
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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Our school is home to an extraordinary team of faculty members and teachers, all of whom are accomplished musicians and dedicated educators. Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experience and expertise to their teaching, ensuring that students receive top-tier musical instruction. You can learn more about each instructor by visiting our faculty page, where you’ll find bios and details about their areas of specialization.
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To apply to our Conservatory program, students must go through an audition process. This ensures that we select students who are committed to excelling in their musical studies. Information about audition dates and requirements can be found on our Conservatory Admissions page. If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, our admissions team is here to help.
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Your support is vital to the success of our programs and the growth of our students. To make a donation or learn more about the different ways you can contribute, please visit the donate page on our website. Donations go toward scholarships, outreach programs, and other initiatives that make high-quality music education accessible to all.
"Patient teachers, great location. We’ve been going to the school for over a year and the experience has been great.”
Mackenzie Karren
PSM Parent