bowed strings | Teachers

Almut Engelhardt – VIOLIN, VIOLA. Native of Germany, Almut earned her degree in Music Performance from the Staatliche Hochschule für Music in Cologne, Germany. She has performed locally with the Minnesota Opera, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Minnesota Orchestra, and has backed up artists such as Prince, Josh Groban, Amy Grant, the Dixie Chicks, Ray Charles, Mannheim Steamroller, Luciano Pavarotti, and more. 

Anastasia Davidson - VIOLIN, VIOLA. Anastasia studied viola and clarinet at Luther College, and she is now a student at the University of Minnesota. She is currently a new member of the Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra and the St. Louis Park Community Band. As a violin and viola teacher, she works with students of all ages to accomplish individualized goals that support their growth as musicians. Anastasia work with new students to establish overarching goals for lessons, and then breaks these down into smaller objectives for each lesson. Her goal for each lesson is to play music that the student enjoys and finds meaningful while challenging them to grow as a musician.

Anastasia Verdoljak (“ver dole yak”) — VIOLIN, VIOLA. Anastasia is an accomplished string educator and performer whose teaching career began in 2007 through internships with MNSOTA and MacPhail. Her pedagogical approach is rooted in the influential methods of Dr. Suzuki, Paul Rolland, Maia Bang, F.M. Alexander and George Bornoff, shaped by mentorship from leading master teachers. As Orchestra Director since 2011 in Twin Cities private and public schools, she has led grades 3-12 programs, coordinated recruitment, and championed culturally diverse curricula. With a decade of private lessons under her belt, she is registered in the Suzuki method for violin & viola and holds a K-12 instrumental music license and a Master of Arts in Education from Augsburg University. Beyond the classroom, Anastasia performs with the Midwest-based Szászka Transylvanian String Band and brings her love of swing and folk dance to community stages, blending artistry with cultural celebration.

Dave Carbonara – CELLO, BASS. Before moving to the Twin Cities, Dave was a member of the Louisiana Philharmonic bass section in New Orleans for 17 years. Received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in double bass from the Juilliard School. He is trained in Suzuki Method for cello.

Laurel Browne – VIOLIN, VIOLA. Graduate of the University of Minnesota. She has studied Suzuki method and uses a mix of Suzuki and classical teaching methods. Performs with the Minnesota Opera Orchestra. When she’s not playing, you might find Laurel playing her dulcimer, working a crossword, or riding her bike—just not all at the same time.

Laurie McFaul – VIOLIN. Graduate of the University of Minnesota. She has studied Suzuki method and is certified in the Mark O'Connor Method. Laurie provides private violin lessons to students from age 6 to adult, using praise and positive encouragement to provide a unique learning experience.

Wendy Lai – VIOLIN. Graduate of Samuel Fischer’s violin studio at the University of Redlands. Wendy has participated in masterclasses with Rachel Barton Pine, the Brooklyn Rider, and is currently studying with Sally O’Reilly.  She has also performed at the Montecito International Music Festival, the Brevard Music Center, and was a substitute member of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra. She enjoys collaborating with friends and exploring new music and chamber music.  In addition to teaching privately and performing, Wendy works at GTCYS as a rehearsal assistant. Wendy teaches private students starting at age five. 

Zack Kline – VIOLIN. Has been called a “versatile young violin ace” by the Star Tribune and the Minneapolis City Pages said “Kline’s fiddle...emulat[es] Grappelli here, Heifetz there, Vassar Clements over there.” Although he can play a wide range of styles it is actually much more important, he feels, to have a range of expression.  He feels the best moments in music-- whether as composer, performer or listener-- are when the sound draws you in and you lose yourself for awhile.  As a teacher, Zack focuses on using music that students enjoy (most often fiddle styles) and on finding good technique by learning to work well with your body.  His teaching is inspired by Suzuki method, the Classical violin tradition, Alexander Technique, and yoga.