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Joseph Toma has been playing the violin since he was nine years old and has been teaching others the joy of playing since 1995. Joseph knows first-hand the help that a private teacher can give to students at all stages of their musical development. A graduate of the Fine Arts Institute of Baghdad, Joseph was trained in various styles of music.

While he is an experienced musician, having played with orchestras and bands and in recording studios in four different countries, his true passion is teaching his students. His philosophy of teaching music is to allow students to express themselves through their music. He believes that techniques can be taught in a variety of ways – and through various styles of music – so that the students develop a love for playing and for the violin. His current students play everything from Irish jigs to popular country songs to classical concertos.

Joseph met and married his wife, Julie, while they were in the both in Middle East. They returned to Kansas City in 2003; Joseph is currently applying to be a U.S. citizen. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys his John Deere lawn mower, playing violin with the worship band at his church and helping Julie with her Pampered Chef business.

In addition to the violin, Joseph teaches the guitar and piano at Alter’s Violin Shop.