Amanda Drish

Amanda Drish is an educator, violinist, and dedicated leader in the cultivation of the beginning strings community in Des Moines, Iowa. Having performed as soloist in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vienna, and Prague during her time at Coe College, she received her Bachelor of Music in violin performance with secondary instruments in piano and voice. Her mission to explore alternative teaching techniques in classical environments reflects her multifaceted background in jazz and contemporary performance styles. Originally from Washington, IA, Amanda began her education as a violinist from the age of four at the Preucil School of Music in Iowa City, and began piano at age five.

Determined to inspire a wider audience and reach among string players, Ms. Drish’s passion for music education is showcased as she encourages accessibility for students of all backgrounds within her local community. Ms. Drish has applied her registration with the Suzuki Association of the Americas for Suzuki Book 1, and her Teach English as a Foreign Language certification from Oxford Seminars, as the primary teacher for Project Encore. Project Encore is a scholarship program, teaching violin to 40 children with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa. As the manager of Beginning Strings and Community Connections, and Director of Project Encore, she has worked with over 300 students, presenting opportunities that would otherwise not be accessible to these young musicians.

Her interdisciplinary work in continuing Iowa youth string initiatives highlights the value of collaboration to expand and grow a sustainable musical community within central Iowa.