Glenda F. Johnson has studied violin since the age of 5.She was trained by Concertmasters and Assistant Concertmasters of major symphonies until she graduated from high school and was off with her violin to college. There, she studied at Graceland College, UMKC, and CMSU, receiving her degree in music education.

During her playing career, she was Concertmaster of a community symphony in Salt Lake City, Utah from her sophomore year in high school through graduation, and performed her favorite concerto with the Graceland College orchestra, and concertmastered the Independence Symphony during her college years and beyond. In her 30's, Glenda left her teaching position in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and moved to Arizona, where she sat as Concertmaster in the Scottsdale Symphony for many years. Upon returning to Missouri she was accepted as a first violinist in the St. Joseph Symphony and after a few years resumed the position of Concertmaster in the Independence Symphony.She has now retired from both orchestras and devotes her time to coaching hopeful violinists to achieve their goals.

Notes from Glenda's Studio

Comfort is rare for the string player to achieve.Aching backs, painful hands, debilitating headaches are often the order of the day for violinists and violists. For a beginner, this is daunting to say the least, added to learning the names of the printed notes, bowing marks, dynamic indications, and tempos.The ability to relax while trying to play in tune and produce a sweet and dynamic sound is in itself a challenge. Ms. Johnson knows all about headaches and other pains caused by uncomfortable head, arm, and hand positions. Over the years she has of necessity developed a blend of techniques meant to assist young and old to improve their musicianship while at the same time helping them to achieve relaxation while playing. She prefers a traditional approach to music reading, but also researches music which is enjoyable for her students to perform.

Students play in two formal recitals a year after being presented with ideas on achieving stage presence and control of nerves. Those who choose to play before a judge at District Music Festival usually receive top ratings, and the 1-rated students move on to participate at the State Music Festival. Many have received scholarships in college. Just look at their happy faces. That is what it should be about!

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