I've been playing cello practically my whole life - and have been so fortunate to play professionally in many orchestras and chamber ensembles. Presently I run the Lost in Strings group workshop at Austin Strings where we take string players of mixed ages and levels and play quartets of popular and classical music - it's a wonderful supportive atmosphere for anyone looking for more performance experience! I love teaching students who are playing for themselves so we can keep the love of music top priority while learning. I specialize in excellent position, technique, and tone with an emphasis on sight-reading sheet music. Pictured here is me playing a Guanari Del Gesu violin from a private collector in California, what an incredible day!

Slobodan has been teaching classical guitar for over 30 years and offers adults and teens classical guitar lessons that are carefully designed for each individual student, and conducted in a positive and supportive environment. He uses a combination of established contemporary method books of Shearer and Parkening, with classical methods of Sor, Giulliani and Aguado.

Brian entered the world of music at a young age when he started playing both electric bass and guitar. He quickly gravitated to the upright bass and earned a bachelors degree in music education with emphasis on music theory and orchestral string instruments from Eastern Illinois University. His career and professional development continued as he taught elementary and middle school orchestras in Illinois and Missouri. After 5 years of teaching in the public school systems, Brian moved to Austin to teach independently, and has been doing so for 16 years. During his time in Austin, he has developed a number of diverse curricula and teaching styles to suit all ages, skill levels and aspirations. Brian believes that music is an important part of life, no matter the capacity. He enjoys teaching people of all ages and ability levels, including beginning adults.

​

Randy has been teaching with Austin Strings since 2002. He has 25 years touring and performing experience and has been teaching guitar for the past 15 years. Students and parents give great feedback, saying they have never learned more in so little time. He specializes in Rock, Pop, Blues, acoustic finger-style and slide guitar.

Mark studied percussion with George Frock, head of percussion at UT Austin, while still in high school. He then went on to study Music Theory and Composition at UT Austin as a piano principle. As a result, Mark is able to offer both classical and contemporary improvisational instruction on piano. Mark has been teaching piano and drums since 1989 and guitar since 2000.

Austin native, Russell Robinson, earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 2014 and now teaches  violin, viola, cello, bass, and mandolin at Austin Strings. Russell has a passion for making learning music high-energy, fun, and accessible. His teaching style is highly individualized to meet the interests of his students whether they are interested in classical or contemporary styles such as bluegrass/country/pop. All of Russell’s students are taught proper form and technique for playing their instruments in addition to sheet-music literacy. Other areas of study include playing-by-ear, improvisation, and music theory. 

With over 20 years of experience both performing and teaching, Josh offers a wealth of musical knowledge. Specializing in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Improvisation, and Fingerstyle; he also caters to beginners.  He works with students of all ages and skill levels, and is continually helping his students achieve their musical goals. 

​

Josh is the owner of Whole Note Guitar School; You can find more info here:

​

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stemper-b16b29a/

Katie Nott has taught at Austin Strings since 2003. With over 20 years teaching and playing experience; she started on piano at age five and added violin at age ten. Katie graduated from Lake Forest College where she studied both violin performance and studio art. She completed her Master of Fine Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design. As a versatile freelance musician, Katie performs violin, fiddle, viola and improvisational styles with local bands and ensembles. She is a founding member of Lantana Strings, an Austin string quartet. This season also marks her tenth year with the Austin Civic Orchestra. Past orchestras include the Temple Symphony and in the first violin sections of the DeKalb Symphony of Georgia, the North Suburban Symphony of Lake Forest and the Hillsdale College Community Orchestra in Michigan. Growing up, she participated in the Ohio All-State and Region Orchestras and also the Fort Wayne Youth Symphony. 

For students ages 6 and over. Classical technique with some fun pieces to motivate a student's interest. Overall emphasis on note reading, intonation and how to get the most out of practicing in order to gain a skill that will last a lifetime.  A fall and spring recital are part of lessons.