Violin & Viola Lessons with Iris S.

Iris was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and began studying violin from the age of 6, to her current age of 22. The bulk of her violin study was done under Mr. Aaron Janse of the Minnesota Orchestra. She graduated Macalester College in 2026 via Mathematics and Psychology dual major with Honors in Mathematics. She has taught previously at Spark School of Music and Dance and is currently teaching at Kramer's School of Music.

Iris is proficient in several styles of violin, demonstrated by her former status as Concertmaster of Minnesota Youth Symphonies’ Symphony Orchestra as well as her contribution to the Minnesota State Fair Fiddle Competition. During her time at Macalester College, she was concertmaster of the Macalester orchestra in her sophomore year. Iris hopes to spread her knowledge to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her greatest hope in teaching is to meet every student precisely where they are at and guide them towards their individual goals.

Early in her study, Iris did not enjoy playing the instrument. Upon finding her long-time teacher Aaron and joining an ensemble, she found her reason to love the instrument in the people it helped her connect with. She hopes that, in her flexible style of teaching centered around students' goals, she will be able to bring the same joy she discovered to the people she works with.

Iris is especially passionate about teaching students with disabilities; her experiences with joint pain and previous students with reduced hand and arm mobility give a unique insight into 'technique' as an adaptive, individualized concept. She is also interested in teaching students with developmental disabilities and sensory sensitivities.