Lia Zito Fiddle Teacher Bio

I started begging to learn the violin at age 5 after falling in love with my mom's LP of Isaac Stern playing the Beethoven Violin Concerto. A year later (after a failed attempt to convince me cello was cooler) Mom decided I meant it and started me with Suzuki lessons. I still love that record but I switched my focus to Irish music after discovering I liked playing in sessions better than playing in orchestra. I began teaching private lessons in Fairbanks 12 years ago, and was invited to teach at the Alaska Fiddle Camp from 2003 to 2007. I'll be returning again this year to teach at Mary Schallert's City Folk Arts camp. I host a variety of group playing opportunities for my students every month to accommodate all ages & skill levels. at O'Brady's Pub.

Besides playing music, my other passion is teaching it. When I was in school, my violin teacher was one of the brightest spots in my life. Every week she spent time helping me, and every week she presented me with the assumption that I could get better. I love giving kids a chance to come feel good about themselves every week, to feel the joy of mastering something, and I love the 'eureka' look on people's faces when they suddenly find themselves doing something they thought was too difficult before. My students are usually the highlight of my day, and I'm grateful to have a "job" I love so much.