Erin Ryan is a classically trained, professional violinist who doesn’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach to string pedagogy or performance. She demonstrates this perspective both through her diverse performing ensembles — from string quartets to rock bands — and her students who include kindergartners and adults learning everything from Bach to Led Zeppelin. Erin believes that string instruction should be a gratifying and fun experience, and she tailors her curriculum to meet each student’s goals. With training in both music and counseling, Erin treasures the unique personal connections she forges with each of her students.

Erin began teaching during her undergraduate years while studying music at the University of Mary Washington. After graduating, she worked in Development at the Kennedy Center for one year before returning to teaching and performing on a full-time basis. She’s now in her 20th year as a full-time private teacher. Her students have been accepted into and received top seating assignments in the All-Virginia, Regional, and District Honors Orchestras as well as various youth orchestra programs in the Northern Virginia area.

Currently, Erin performs at about 80 weddings and special events per year with her string quartet, the Cherry Blossom String Quartet. Some of the quartet’s more notable performances include appearing on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the Virginia Wine Festival, and the National Archives’ Annual Galas where they performed for notable honorees such as Stephen Spielberg, Martin Scorcese, Ken Burns, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

She enjoys learning and performing the great chamber music works for fun and attending the Chamber Music Conference of the East annually. Erin also performs non-classical genres of music such as folk, rock and spiritual. She regularly performs with bands in the area such as Brian K & the Parkway and The Beanstalk Library at DC-area venues such as The Hamilton, Pearl Street Warehouse, and Jammin Java.

Erin set out on her own violin journey from Manassas, Virginia at the age of 6. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Music.  During her time at UMW, she served as the concertmistress of the Mary Washington College-Community Symphony Orchestra and performed at Carnegie Hall with the Mary Washington Symphony. She received numerous music scholarships as well as the Mu Phi Epsilon Sterling Achievement Award. In 2011 she earned her Master of Education degree in School Counseling from George Mason University.

Erin currently maintains a private studio of about 30 violin and viola students and resides in Alexandria, VA with her husband Brian and her greyhound. In her spare time, she enjoys all forms of physical activity (especially running), reading and learning new things, and playing music for fun.