Laura Sciavolino, violinist and Suzuki specialist, has established herself as a performer and educator throughout New York State. As a teacher, she deeply believes in the Suzuki philosophy that every child can learn, and is dedicated to finding the most natural and efficient way for students to make music. She has served as string instructor for the Community Unity Music Education Program in Ithaca, New York, the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, Connecticut, and maintains a private studio. Additionally, as a graduate assistant she has taught at the Ithaca College School of Music, and Purchase College Conservatory of Music.

As a violinist, Laura has performed in master classes with Arnold Steinhardt, James Ehnes and Rachel Barton Pine. She has also participated in the Summit Music Festival, and can frequently be seen at the Apple Hill Summer Chamber Music Festival. An avid interpreter of contemporary music, Laura premiered a new composition by Dennis Bell with her quartet, the Summit String Quartet, and the Sidra Bell Dance Company in 2012. Laura has also served as concertmistress for the Purchase Symphony Orchestra and Ithaca College Chamber Orchestra.

Laura began her violin studies at the age of nine. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Violin Performance from Ithaca College, and her Master’s degree and Artist Diploma in Violin Performance from Purchase College Conservatory of Music. Additionally, Laura holds a Master’s degree in Suzuki Pedagogy from Ithaca College, where she completed long-term training with Carrie Reuning-Hummel. In addition to her extensive Suzuki training with Carrie Reuning-Hummel, she has also had Suzuki studies with Sandy Reuning, Susan Baer, Kimberly Meier-Sims, and Carol Smith. Her major violin teachers include Susan Waterbury, Calvin Wiersma, Laurie Smukler and Nicholas DiEugenio. Currently, Laura lives in Houston, Texas, and teaches Suzuki violin at Parker Elementary, a music magnet school.