PHILOSOPHY

My mission is to develop musicians capable of teaching themselves. By providing excellent instruction in technique, theory, and musicality, my goal at every lesson is to nurture the skills needed for freedom of expression and communication and collaboration with others. Through music we gain abilities relevant to all facets of life: independent and critical thinking, discipline, and most importantly a confident sense of self.

BIOGRAPHY

Valerie Fischer is a native Texan and long-time Austin resident who has performed on most of the stages in town with a range of musicians from straight-up and avant garde rock bands, to popular "Texas Gypsy" artist Oliver Rajamani, and experimental string quartet Hill Country Strings. The variety of musicians she has worked with has given Valerie an ease with playing in small ensembles and an enthusiasm for the blending of pop, rock, and classical genres. Recent collaborations have brought Valerie back to a focus on classical music with solo recitals with pianist Melanie Richards and frequent performances with her current trio Fröhlich with pianist Storm Knein and clarinetist Rebecca Berinsky.

Valerie received a Bachelor of Music with Honors in Cello Performance from the University of Texas at Austin studying with Professor Paul Olefsky and has recently been a member of the Round Rock Symphony Orchestra and the Temple Symphony Orchestra. Although she loves to perform, Valerie has had a full and successful teaching studio for over twenty years and counts that as her true passion.

Valerie maintains membership with the American String Teachers Association, the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the Texas Orchestra Directors Association. She has received training for Suzuki Book 1 through 5 and Book 8 through 10 with acclaimed author and pedagogue Rick Mooney.