Stringed Instrument Instructors

Tim is the violin/viola instructor at Hiram College and conductor of the Hiram Chamber Orchestra. He is a graduate of Kent State University and has a Master of Music in violin performance. Other teaching has included Cleveland State, the Solon Center for the Arts, and Kent City Schools.

His performance experience spans four decades and includes the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Trinity Cathedral Orchestra, the Ohio Ballet Orchestra, as well as the Akron, Canton and Youngstown Symphonies. He enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels from beginners through advanced players.

Devon attended Kent State University. Devon is a violist whose background includes Regional and All State ensembles. She has also pursued a unique element in string playing by performing electric violin and viola in the renowned Lakewood Project. Her private one-on-one studio teaching includes students of age levels ranging from pre-teens to adults. Devon’s style of teaching is personable and student centered and focused on the students individual needs and aspirations.

Nick Desjardins is a fourth year music education major at Kent State University. At Kent he is studying cello with Si-Yan Li. He plays in pit orchestras in Canton, Alliance, and Chagrin Falls. He is also part of Legion: A Contemporary Cello Quartet that records and performs various genres of music. Nick is also a Canton Youth Symphony Advanced Orchestra Alumni that works as a community volunteer when possible with the youth symphony. He owns and directs Hartville Symphonic Chorus, an organization for the fine arts. He has studied under Arleen Scott, Alicia Tremmel, Hannah Lintz, and Kathryn Griesinger. Nick is very excited to be a part of Woodsy's Lesson Studio and have the chance to share music with more of the world.

Claire Laux is a second year instrumental performance major at Kent State University, studying violin with Dr.Eunho Kim. She plays with the Kent State University Orchestra and is involved with various chamber ensembles, including a piano trio and multiple string quartets. Her performance experience includes numerous youth orchestras, local pit orchestras, and international festivals, among others. Claire has been playing the violin for fourteen years and previously studied under Dr.Hristo Popov. She looks forward to sharing her love and dedication to the instrument with students, and helping them find their own passion for the world of music.