- Title Violin & Viola Instructor
Violist Samantha Rodriguez is currently a member of the Des Moines Symphony, principal viola with the Des Moines Metro Opera and the violist in the Ames Piano Quartet. Prior to moving to Des Moines, Samantha was assistant principal third chair of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and previously held the position of third chair with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and a member of their viola section for 9 years.
Samantha is also a frequent substitute with the Minnesota Orchestra and is principal violist of the Lakes Area Music Festival, of which she is a founding artist. An avid chamber musician, Samantha plays in chamber ensembles for L.A.M.F. throughout the year for communities in Minnesota, and has performed in groups for audiences across upstate NY, Colorado Springs and central Florida. In 2012, after attending and being inspired by the International Viola congress, Samantha formed a viola trio with her two closest friends. Together, they decided to enter chamber music competitions and thus the Voila Trio was born. The trio placed 2nd in the M.T.N.A. national chamber music competition and were the very first all viola ensemble to be finalists at the prestigious Coleman competition.
As a soloist, Samantha has had the privilege of performing with the Eastman Philharmonia, Symphony and Chorale, the Geneseo Symphony and the L.A.M.F Orchestra. Samantha received her bachelor and master of music degrees from the Eastman School of Music as well as a performer’s certificate under the tutelage of George Taylor.
In her spare time, Samantha loves to sing. She has enjoyed being a member of different choirs and relishes the chance to sing a gospel solo. She also likes to bake and spend lots of cuddle time with her cat named Charles.
