Leah Nelson
In-School & Workshop Faculty
An engaging performer and inspired educator, Austin native Leah Nelson has become a highly sought after violist. As a chamber musician, she performs with the Rosetta String Quartet, the Austin based group Hello Lovers, the Austin Chamber Music Center, and in the Folios Duo with classical guitarist Thomas Echols. In May 2010, the Folios Duo performed a chamber recital to critical acclaim in Los Angeles, and they are currently recording a forthcoming album that will include music by Franz Schubert, Manuel de Falla, and Samuel Adler. Leah has performed throughout the United States including Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall. She has toured with Andrea Bocelli, performed with Barry Manilow, and recorded with the Grammy nominated band Devotchka. As an orchestral musician, Leah has performed regularly with the American Youth Symphony, the New West Symphony, and the Riverside Philharmonic.
Leah began her professional studies at the University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance under the tutelage of Roger Myers. Ms. Nelson holds a Master of Music degree as well from the University of Southern California where she studied with the world-renowned performer and pedagogue Donald McInnes. In addition Leah has also studied at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy under the great Russian violist Yuri Bashmet.
As a dedicated educator Leah is passionate about working with young people and community engagement. She has held positions with Education through Music-Los Angeles as a teacher and program coordinator. She also was the Program Director for the AYS String Project in Los Angeles, which provided high quality string instruction to over 100 under-served students. Currently Leah is president of the Central Texas Viola Society and holds a thriving private studio that includes students from Austin and the surrounding areas.
