About Theresa Van Laanen
From Bach to Carpathian Mountain fiddle, Tess is an accomplished violin and fiddle player who can teach not only great technique, but many different musical styles. She began playing the violin at the age of 5, studying the Suzuki method. She is a classical violinist, but is also well versed in many different styles including Scandinavian, American, Irish, and Breton. She even picked up the Norwegian 8 stringed Hardanger Fiddle along the way. She paid her way through music school by performing for two years with the Eastern European ensemble the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, where she studied under Rachel Stegeman, former principal violinist in the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
Tess is committed to helping spread her love of the violin, in all its many forms, to the next generation. Her teaching style revolves around the idea that a classical foundation can lay the groundwork for her students to excel in any style they choose. But she also puts a heavy emphasis on making sure her students enjoy playing! She listens to each student, their interests, and musical preferences, and uses that as the guide to help them succeed. There should be an equal amount of fun had, and progress made, in every lesson.
In addition to teaching, Tess is also an Audio Engineer at Coupe Studios, and performs regularly with the Swedish fiddle group the Boulder Spelman Slog.
