Dr. Julia Banzi

Julia Banzi is the newest addition and active guitar instructor at the Mosaic String Academy in Portland, Oregon.
Julia lived and studied guitar in Spain for many years. She received her Doctorate Degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of California Santa Barbara. She has been teaching guitar and world music, both in her private studio in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland as well as at Lewis & Clark College, University of Portland and Portland State University. She also teaches at Reed College as per request.
Julia seeks to locate that delicate equilibrium between fun, challenge and ease. She believes that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Her belief in a child’s unlimited potential and in educating that noble human spirit was instilled in her since childhood by her late father Dr. John Horn who was a cognitive psychologist and a pioneer in developing theories of multiple intelligence. Her daughter is a ballet dancer, teacher and choreographer. She loves working with children and created the Ali-Ole ensemble where she guides children to create music, musical instruments and dances from around the world. She has been a Young Audiences and Right Brain Initiative rooster artist for years. Teaching at Mosaic String Academy is her way of giving back and giving thanks. Julia is actively pursuing additional Suzuki training and has completed Books 1 & 2 and is dedicated to extending the vision of Dr. Suzuki to all her students. She also enjoys using the Suzuki method to teach adults. Adult learners are invited to see her Adult Guitar Tuition & Policy.

“Do you have the courage?  Do you have the courage to bring forth this work? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes!”
(quoting Jack Gilbert  ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear)