Chaska Music Studios ǀ Chaska, MN
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Marissa F.

- Violin, Viola -

Picture
Marissa Swanson Ferro 310-926-8328 marissaferro@gmail.com
PRIVATE STUDIO TEACHING EXPERIENCE

 

2010-2013       Violin and Viola Instructor – Denver/Boulder, CO

 

  • On faculty for private & group lessons at the following music schools & centers:

                                                Parlando School for the Arts – Boulder, CO

                                                Forte Academy of Music – Littleton, CO

                                                Music & Arts – Englewood, CO

  • Home Studio – Littleton, CO

  • Certified Violin & Viola Instructor for Suzuki Books 1-4

  • Instructed students in viola and violin performance and theory

  • Coached intermediate and advanced level quartets and other small groups

  • Taught beginning through advanced levels, ages 3 through adult, both in individual and semi-private settings, using traditional and Suzuki methods

  • All intermediate and advanced students were awarded first stand seats in their respective school and youth orchestras in 2013-14 school year

 

2004-2010       Viola and Violin Instructor – Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

 

  • Grew and maintained a yearly studio size of over 35 students

  • Instructed students in viola and violin performance and theory

  • Taught beginning through advanced levels, ages 3 through adult, both in individual and semi-private settings, using traditional and Suzuki methods

  • Adapted teaching style for students with disabilities, such as Asberger Syndrome

  • Strove to understand cultural similarities & differences to better the student-teacher-parent interaction

  • Organized annual private studio recitals and receptions

  • Prepared students for professional & school orchestra auditions, performance tests, and summer music festivals

  • Students have been awarded seats within the first 4 chairs of each orchestra in the Palos Verdes Peninsula middle & high school orchestras

     

    2001-2002       Teaching Assistant - University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

     

  • Contributed constructive comments and demonstrated skill and artistry on the viola during master classes for Viola Professor

  • Gave additional lessons and critique to students

 

Summer 2002  Teacher/Counselor - Eagle Bluff Chamber Music Camp, Lanesboro, MN

 

  • Coached string quartets and taught private viola lessons

  • Supervised junior and senior high school students in group activities

     

     

    2000-2001       Teaching Assistant - University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

     

  • Taught beginning viola to both non-music and music majors

  • Administered grades and performance evaluations

  PUBLIC & PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHING EXPERIENCE   2010-2013       String Teacher – Chaparral Elementary Instrumental Music, Parker, CO

 

  • Taught 4th-6th grade string classes (violin, viola, cello, bass) in beginning and intermediate levels at three DCSD elementary schools

  • Organized concerts and assemblies with band teacher

  • Rehearsed and conducted large string orchestra groups at feeder area festivals and concerts

  • Created curriculum and lesson plans

  • Communicated with parents about practice tips, assignments, and upcoming events through handouts and regular emails

  • Worked with program director and school administration on scheduling classes, organizing concerts and events, and improving student/teacher relationships

  • Coached advanced string ensemble, taught theory, and mentored students at CHEIM summer music program for the past two summers

     

    2007-2010       String Teacher – Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA

     

  • Instructed string students at five elementary schools

  • Taught 4th-5th grade string classes (violin, viola, cello, bass)

  • Conducted 4th-5th grade string ensembles and orchestras

  • Recognized as the only string teacher to maintain and/or increase class sizes for incoming 5th graders, and have an increase in number of 4th grade students for

           2009-10 school year

  • Created arrangements based on instrumentation and students’ level of playing

  • Organized semi-annual performances for students’ peers and family

  • Promoted the violin, viola, cello, and bass  through playing & demonstration at 4th-5th grade instrumental recruitment events

  • Created curriculum, lesson plans, homework assignment handouts

  • Administered performance evaluations and grades for each trimester

  • Worked with music team to coordinate concerts, improve classroom management policies, communicate with parents, and develop curriculum

     

    2004-2010       Group Violin Instructor – AMUSE Music Center, Inc., Palos Verdes, CA

     

  • Created lesson plans/curriculum using Suzuki and traditional methods

  • Taught 3 levels of prep violin to ages 3-7, and 3 levels of violin for ages 8-12

  • Enabled parents to actively participate in classes so they can encourage and help their child practice well at home

  • Educated parents about Suzuki method and philosophy

  • Created practice charts to improve student and parent accountability

     

     

     

     

     

     

    2005-2007       String Teacher – Rolling Hills Country Day School, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

     

  • Taught group Suzuki violin classes for 1st-4th grades (as many as 16 students in one class)

  • Coached small ensembles

  • Taught beginning/intermediate violin, viola and cello for 5th-8th grades using a traditional method book (Essential Elements for Strings)

  • Organized semi-annual performances for students’ peers and family

  • Administered performance evaluations and grades for each trimester

  • Designed classroom behavior and discipline procedures for each grade level

  EDUCATION  

2012-2013       Suzuki Teacher Training with William Starr:  Books 1-4, Boulder, CO

                                   

1999-2001       University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Graduate studies in Viola Performance, pursued MM degree
  • Student of Donald McInnes and Ralph Fielding

  • Recipient of full-tuition scholarship

  • Coursework included chamber music, orchestral excerpt preparation, orchestral conducting, chamber music, theory, and history

 

1995-1999       University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance
  • Student of Korey Konkol

  • Recipient of Zelle Scholar full-tuition and Ted Mann Musician Scholarships

  • Member of Dean’s list

  • Student member of Orchestral Director search committee

  • Coursework included chamber music, conducting, piano, music theory and history, writing, and linguistics

 

1995-1996       Post-Secondary Education, Senior Year of High School, U of MN

 

PRINCIPAL TEACHERS

 

VIOLA-

Donald McInnes

Ralph Fielding

Korey Konkol

Heidi Castleman

Linda Rose

Victoria Chiang

Dr. Jerzy Kozmala

 

VIOLIN-

Cheryl Minor Stewart

Cynthia Finks

Linda Cerone

 

 

CHAMBER MUSIC-

Kevin Fitz-Gerald (piano, USC)

Lydia Artymiw (piano, U of MN)

Peter Howard (former principal cellist, SPCO)

Jorja Fleezanis (concertmaster, Minnesota Orch.)

Sally O’Reilly (Violin Professor, U of MN)

 

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE

           

  • Soloist with Dakota Valley Civic Orchestra, Saint Paul Civic Orchestra, and University of Minnesota Symphony, Minnesota Youth Symphonies-Symphony Orchestra

  • Principal violist, USC Chamber Symphony

  • Principal violist, University of Minnesota Orchestra

  • Principal violist, Ariadne auf Naxos, Aspen Music Festival Opera Orchestra, 1999

  • Violist, Miss Saigon, Ordway Music Theater, St. Paul, MN, 1998

  • Section Violist, Aspen Chamber Symphony, 1998 & 1999

  • Section Violist, Aspen Festival Orchestra, 1997

  • Substitute Violist, New World Symphony, 1997-98

  • Principal Violist, World Youth Symphony Orchestra, Interlochen Arts Festival, 1996

  • Violist for Prairie Home Companion broadcast from Interlochen Arts Festival, 1996

  • Principal & Section Violist, Minnesota Youth Symphonies - Symphony, 1994-96

  • SOLO RECITALS:  

    Violin & Viola, Sophomore Year of High School, 1994

    Viola, Senior Year of High School, 1996

    Viola, Junior Recital, University of Minnesota, 1998

    Viola, Senior Recital, University of Minnesota, 1999

  • Performed in various other student recitals (solo & chamber) at USC and U of MN

  • Freelance work including studio recording experience in Minneapolis and Los Angeles

 

COMPETITIONS/AWARDS/HONORS

 

  • First Place - Chicago Viola Society Competition, 1998

  • Second Place - WAMSO Young Artist Competition, 1999

  • Fellowship recipient - Aspen Music Festival, 1997-99

  • Concerto Competition Winner, University of Minnesota, 1998

  • Solo Competition Winner, Minnesota Youth Symphonies, 1996

  • Thursday Musical Young Artist Competition, Minneapolis, MN:

    1998-1st Place, College Level Strings

    1996-2nd Place, High School Level Strings

  • Schubert Club Scholarship Competition, St. Paul, MN:

    1999-1st Prize, College/Graduate Strings

    1998-2nd Prize, College/Graduate Strings

     

    AFFILIATIONS

     

  • Member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas

  • Member of the American Viola Society and Rocky Mountain Viola Society

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  • Home
  • Register
  • Instructors
    • Leslie Rieser Hercules, Director
    • Blake T.
    • Caitlin D.
    • Diana I.
    • Kacie F.
    • Kevin D.
    • Krin M.
    • Madelaine P.
    • Mark H.
    • Matt B.
    • Matthew V.
    • Sue L.
    • Trent S.
    • Tristan E.
    • Victoria E.
  • Events
    • Recitals
    • Auburn Manor
    • River City Days
    • Arts Consortium
    • Enki Brewing
    • Children's Hospital
    • Santa's Arrival
  • About Us
    • Instruments
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
  • Policies
  • Blog