School of Fine Arts

Maureen Nilsen
Violin/Viola

Ms. Nilsen began studying the violin at age 8. She studied at the MacPhail Center for the Arts in Minneapolis, Minn., and was actively involved in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies. She also participated in many summer music festivals including the Chautauqua Music Festival in New York, the Texas Music Festival in Houston and the Schlern International Music Festival in Italy.

Ms. Nilsen received her Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance at the University of Minnesota where she studied with renowned pedagogue Sally O'Reilly. Next, she received a Master of Music in Violin Performance at Southern Methodist Univeristy, where she studied with Dallas Symphony's Associate Concertmaster Jan Mark Sloman.

As an active performer throughout Texas, Ms. Nilsen performs with the symphonies of Shreveport, Plano, Irving, Las Colinas, Garland and Arlington. She also has performed as a back-up musician with Michael Bolton, Amy Grant and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. You also may see her with her string quartet playing for weddings and other events throughout the Metroplex.

Ms. Nilsen continues the teaching tradition of her great teachers, both of whom were pupils of master teacher Ivan Galamian. She is a very enthusiastic and supportive teacher, and loves to help students develop their love for music. She meets students at their level, whatever that may be, and gives them the tools and support they need to become the best violinists possible!

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