Viola with Deanna S.

Private Studio

A native Texan, Deanna Said, was introduced to music in the public schools at around the same time she was introduced to line dancing. Her passion for music quickly developed, and at age 16 she began viola lessons. She went on to complete degrees at the San Francisco Conservatory, University of Nevada Reno, and most recently from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. She believes in the transformational power of music, and, in the summer of 2015 was performing quartet outreach concerts in neighborhoods throughout Chicago as part of the Grant Park Music Festival. An avid orchestral performer, she has played in dozens of orchestras. Most recently, she was a member of the Evansville Philharmonic (IN) and the Owensboro Symphony (KY). She adores playing chamber music and her festival appearances include Aspen Music Festival, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Roundtop Music Festival among others. She has studied with many wonderful teachers including Catherine Van Hoesen, Ed Gazouleas, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio and Jodi Levitz. She lives in Washington D.C. and is on faculty for the DC Youth Orchestra Program and a member of the contemporary string quartet, Rogue Collective. In the 2017-18 school year, Deanna will be a Fulbright Grant recipient. She will be studying and performing in Copenhagen, Denmark.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Indiana University- Jacobs School of Music

University of Nevada Reno

University of Nevada Reno

US Fulbright Commission

Sierra Arts Fund

The Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc. is the not-for-profit organization officially licensed to support, guide, and promote Suzuki education in North, Central, and South America. The SAA was founded in 1972 and currently has about 8,000 members.

The American Viola Society is a nonprofit organization of viola enthusiasts, including students, performers, teachers, scholars, composers, makers, and friends, who seek to encourage excellence in performance, pedagogy, research, composition, and lutherie. United in our commitment to promote the viola and its related activities, the AVS fosters communication and friendship among violists of all skill levels, ages, nationalities, and backgrounds.

The American String Teachers Association, founded more than 60 years ago, is a membership organization for string and orchestra teachers and players, helping them to develop and refine their careers. ASTA's members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The organization provides a vast array of services, including instrument insurance, an award-winning scholarly journal, discounts on publications and resources, annual professional development opportunities, and access to collegial network of colleagues throughout the string profession.

Native Proficiency

Limited Proficiency

Limited Proficiency