From Boston, Massachusetts, Julia McLean is a violist, artist, and teacher. She currently lives in Berlin working as a freelance musician and is a member of the academy (KAPCampus) of the Kammerakademie Potsdam. Julia is a student of Wilfried Strehle at the Universität der Künste Berlin earning a second masters in Orchestral Studies. She earned her first Master of Music degree at The Juilliard School studying with Misha Amory, and her Bachelor of Science degree at Tufts University with a major in Biopsychology and a minor in music, studying viola with Rictor Noren. In 2020 she briefly joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, unfortunately cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. She plays a 2010 Reto Gasser viola.
Julia is also a visual artist mainly working in acrylic and oil paint. After being awarded a Gold Key in the Scholastic Art & Writing awards in 2014, she was a featured artist in an exhibit in Boston Town Hall. Her ongoing series, String Impressions, features paintings on unusable string instruments that were kindly donated to her from instrument shops and schools. These pieces are each inspired by her personal musical experiences or those of the commissioner and often represent a specific musical memory. Commissions and sales are considered upon request.
TEACHING
I teach violin and viola lessons in English to people of all ages, online or in person. I want to share my love of music with as many people as I can, and invite you to book a trial violin or viola lesson with me through my contact page!
Whether you or your child is a complete beginner, returning to the instrument, or looking to take your playing to the next level, I would be thrilled to work with you! I work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and I teach every individual based on their unique experience and goals. I take my experience as a professional musician directly into my lessons, presenting many of the same strategies I use for my own performance to my students. I grew up learning through the Suzuki method, so I teach with an emphasis on developing a good ear as well as good instrumental technique. I teach mainly classical repertoire, but if you are interested in learning other styles, contact me and we can discuss your individual request. I can also offer a focus on playing in orchestra or chamber groups. For example, our lessons can focus on sight reading, orchestral excerpts, auditions, or strategies for ensemble playing.
Beginner or returning students can expect a flexible approach depending on your musical background and learning preferences.
Intermediate or advanced students can expect a focus on how to take the technique you already have and use it to improve your phrasing or learn more difficult repertoire.
CREDENTIALS
I graduated with a masters degree in Viola Performance from The Juilliard School in New York City. I have developed my teaching approach through Juilliard’s professional pedagogy programs and teaching fellowships and 7+ years of private teaching experience.
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
I am an Academist with the Kammerakademie Potsdam, and have performed with ensembles including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Verbier Festival Orchestra, the Charleston Symphony, the Boston Philharmonic, and the New World Symphony.
BACKGROUND
I am a life long musician; I started playing violin at age 5, learning through the Suzuki method, and viola at 16. While earning my Bachelors degree in Biopsychology at Tufts University in Boston, I fell in love with classical music through orchestral performance, and decided to pursue a career as an orchestral musician instead. Nothing brings me greater joy than to see the growth of my students as musicians and people.
SCHEDULING
I offer regular time slots for lessons, but also offer flexible/irregular lesson scheduling and a flexible change and cancellation policy. No matter your lifestyle and schedule, we can schedule our lessons around your needs.
RATES
Please contact me directly through my contact page to request my rates.
