Tara Kizer Violin Lessons

Originally from St. Louis, MO, I started playing violin at age nine. I was fortunate enough to attend schools within a district that housed vibrant and thriving string program. Those dedicated teachers would later provide the main inspiration for my career. I developed a strong love of fiddle music, and continued to pursue that style along with my vigorous classical study throughout middle and high school. During my pre-college years, I enjoyed membership in both the Missouri All-State Orchestra and the St. Louis Youth Symphony. It was through the various mentoring opportunities I was given during this time that I discovered my immense passion for teaching.

In 2013 I graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Music Education. During my time at Missouri State I was dedicated to developing both my playing and teaching at a high level. I taught with the Missouri State String Project, taught private lessons, and also served as concertmaster of the Missouri State Symphony, where I won the Concerto Competition in 2012.

I moved to Norman, OK in 2013 to pursue my Master of Music Education with Violin Emphasis at the University of Oklahoma. As in my undergraduate degree, I was determined to consistently push myself in both performance and education. During this degree I had the pleasure of studying violin with Professor Hal Grossman. I served as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant within the music education department, while also assisting Professor Grossman with underclassman violin instruction. As part of my graduate degree, I completed a thesis entitled Perceptions from the K-12 Educational Community Towards the Implementation of a Fiddle Music Curriculum in the State of Oklahoma. I also petitioned the department to allow me to be the first graduate music education student to give a graduate recital as well as completing a thesis.

The beautiful and exciting city of Austin, TX has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my passion for both playing and teaching. I teach violin and fiddle lessons at my apartment, located about 20 minutes north of downtown. At Lamar Middle School and Fine Arts Academy, I am the proud director of the Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Fiddlers, and Rockestra. Contact me to book myself or my students to provide music for your event!