Music has always been the best medium and outlet for me to express myself, and I love sharing that creative power with others. My mom is a violinist and violist and my dad is a cellist, so it was only natural that I started out in the music world from a very young age. I started playing violin when I was four years old, eventually switching to viola as my primary instrument in high school. I completed a degree in Music from Northwestern University and then a master’s in Digital Musics from Dartmouth College, where I focused on experimental electro-acoustic composition and sound installation art.

In my string studies I attended Interlochen Arts Camp and the Brevard Music Center. My primary viola teacher prior to college was Dr. Scott Rawls, and in college I had the privilege of studying with Dr. Roland Vamos. In my compositional studies I worked with Dr. Michelle Lou.

While I enjoy playing solo work, I have always loved ensemble playing even more. I have extensive experience in orchestral playing and chamber music, and it’s in ensembles that I really began to adore the viola as a harmonic and textural instrument.

As a product of robust youth music programs and intergenerational music ensembles in my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, I am dedicated to sharing music with people of all ages in Philly. I would love to work with you on the music you’re interested in and help you build the skills to match your passion.

When did you begin playing Viola, and why?

I first started out playing violin when I was four years old. My mom is a violinist, so it felt like a natural instrument to start with. When I was in high school, my older brother’s string quartet needed a violist and they asked me if I could play with them. I tried it out for one semester and absolutely fell in love with viola, switching to viola full-time for orchestra and private lessons the following year. Viola parts are filled with interesting harmonies and rhythms, which are often more fun for me than always playing the melodies.

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I played violin for many years, and have kept that up after switching to viola. It always takes a few minutes to re-adjust to the different sizes, but it’s nice that studying both allows me to switch between them depending on where I’m needed.

I studied piano for five years and continue to play keyboard in bands. Piano is hands down the most useful instrument for understanding music theory and classical composition, and I would strongly recommend it if you’re interested in writing your own music. 

I took choir lessons throughout my childhood and currently sing in bands. Playing classical violin and viola is a lot like singing, and having experience with singing helps immensely with my musicality and phrasing.

I love composing music, writing and producing electronic and electro-acoustic music. I do that sometimes with sheet music, but most often using many different programs on my computer, including Ableton Live, Max, and Sibelius.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

I’ve always been interested in finding new ways to express myself creatively. My goal as a musician is not to become the best violist in the world, but to find the most interesting ways to feel and share my thoughts and emotions.

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

After learning the fundamentals of music theory, analyzing a Bach cello suite for the first time and realizing the genius and beauty of his composing.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

It’s counterintuitive, but: if you can play it slow, you can play it fast. It’s so hard to practice slowly when playing quickly is more fun, but if you’re able to train yourself to play a piece slowly, it becomes much easier to play at full speed.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?

Learning any skill always has ups and downs- it’s never a linear process. There were times when I felt like I wasn’t progressing, and that can feel very frustrating. When that happens, I’ve found it best to focus on small parts of my playing or a tiny section of a piece. It’s much easier to improve when you have reasonable goals set for yourself.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

My final orchestra concert in college we played Gustav Mahler’s second symphony in Millenium Park in Chicago. We had a full orchestra and two choirs, and played for thousands of people.

Favorite thing about teaching?

Seeing students fall in love with music.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

In playing music, passion is much more important than technical skill. You should foster and grow your musical interest, because it’s much easier to teach someone to play scales than to be excited about music. Find music you like listening to and work towards that as a goal!

Personal music projects:

I have a website with some recordings of music I’ve composed, which you can find here: https://aaronmkarp.com/