Caroline Swanson

Caroline has her master’s degree in viola performance from the Southern Methodist University, having studied with Barbara Sudweeks. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Michigan with Yizhak Schotten. She attended Interlochen Arts Academy for her last two years of high school, and has participated in many major summer festivals, such as the Blackburn Music Academy, the Texas Music Festival, the Brevard Music Festival, and the Castleman Quartet Program. She has played in master classes for such teachers as Mate Szucs, principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra, Karen Ritscher, and Jeffrey Irvine. Her orchestral experience includes many acclaimed symphony orchestras, such as the Grammy-nominated University Symphony Orchestra at the University of Michigan, opera and ballet orchestras, and string orchestras, holding frequent principal positions throughout her career. She is an avid chamber musician, having performed with numerous string quartets and other small ensembles. She has premiered several new works for solo viola, string quartet, and orchestra, including her own compositions. She is passionate about teaching every bit as much as performing, and has a background in both viola and violin.