Violist Susan Janda thrives on interpreting a wide variety of musical styles on her otherwise typically ‘classical’ instrument. Vocal influences are important to her playing; Susan’s own experiences as a singer of choral music, musical theater, and some jazz inspire her. Students of the viola and violin benefit from Susan’s endless supply of analogies and dancing gestures to explain musical problem-solving and technique.
Since 1996, Susan has been violist with the Minnesota Opera Orchestra. She has premiered works, performed or recorded with the Minnesota Orchestra, VocalEssence, Prince, Adam Levy - And The Professors, Jonatha Brooke, Cory Wong, Michael Johnson, Stevie Wonder, The Eagles, The Who, Soul Asylum, and many broadway touring shows, with recordings on Red House, Naxos, Ars Nova, Innova, and MPR labels.
Susan has a B.A. from Indiana University, a Masters in Viola Performance from Northwestern University, and additional performance studies at Eastman School of Music and University of Minnesota.
Students will be coached through an individually tailored program that is reflective of their level of interest and goals, and meets degree requirements, if applicable. Instruction will include lesson plans for self-directed practice, facilitating improvement in technical ability, comprehension of musical concepts, repertoire exposure, artistic growth and performance projection. Body awareness and rhythmic integrity are considered foundations. Regular practice and lesson attendance improves results and is an integral part of grade assignment.
"Learning a musical instrument is a life skill, whether or not you choose to make it your life's work. I want you to challenge your sense of what is possible and to honor your musical self. The one-on-one study that happens in private lessons of an instrument challenges you to problem solve, analyze, infer, make decisions; challenges you to find your unique artistic and practical solutions, to make a leap to bring the best of you (and the rest of you) to the process. Persevere, and you will build skills that transfer to that which is most important to you."
