Faculty Friday with Laura Manko Sahin

Happy Faculty Friday, everyone! Each Friday we will feature one of our many amazing faculty members at Luzerne Music Center. We asked all of our instructors to tell us a little bit about themselves, and to share their favorite things about Luzerne Music Center.

For our very first Faculty Friday, we are featuring our wonderful viola instructor Laura Manko Sahin. This summer will be Laura's second year on faculty, and we are so excited to have her back!

Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

I made my solo debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 2005, and have subsequently won numerous solo competitions. I was formerly Principal violist of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra and Me2 Chamber Orchestra, as well as section violist of the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra (Ankara, Turkey), Nodus Contemporary Music Ensemble, Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra, and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

As a chamber musician, I have been a member of the Bilkent Piano Quartet, Boston Harp Trio, and Stern String Quartet with whom I have played concerts across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

I have been on the string faculties of the New Mexico School of Music, Bilkent University, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Rivers School Conservatory, Boston School of Music Arts, and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. I am so excited to begin my second summer on faculty at LMC!

What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

LMC is a special place in that there is a strong sense of community. All students, counselors, faculty, and staff support each other and share the same goals - to have a memorable summer making beautiful music.

What can campers expect to learn while working with you this summer?

Hello, LMC violist! Here are a few points to consider when thinking about studying with me this summer. I'm excited for you to join us!

My approach to viola teaching and playing is as holistic as possible. Together, we will try to find the best set-up to fit your specific physique (i.e., grounding, positioning, equipment).
We will explore the vast and beautiful world of the viola repertoire. Every student will have a daily dose of scales/arpeggios, etudes, exercises, and solo works. I will help you create a warm-up and practice schedule to keep you on track and injury-free.
Every week, we will have a studio class where we can examine all things viola related. We will play scales in partners, study helpful exercises, learn viola stretches, as well as practice performing our current solo repertoire.
The atmosphere of the viola studio is always positive. Each member supports one another, offering constructive comments and criticism.