Solo or chamber music (duet, quartet)

A product of the esteemed music programs of Long Island, New York, April Beard is both an active performer and a passionate music educator. She performs and teaches with a mission to connect others to the beautiful intents of music. By committing to the study of technical and expressive artistry in viola playing, she leads her students to discovering their own personal musicianship and creative success.

Miss Beard has had diverse experiences in chamber music, orchestral playing, and solo performing. Throughout her undergraduate career, she was an active member of the Crane School of Music’s Viola Ensemble, which toured across New York State to schools, churches, and youth orchestra organizations. She also served as principal violist in the Crane School’s Symphony Orchestra for several concert seasons, culminating in a performance at Carnegie Hall. Furthermore, Miss Beard frequently performed with the prevailing professional orchestra of the North Country, The Orchestra of Northern New York. As a soloist, she varies her repertoire from Baroque to twenty-first century genres. In 2015, she was the featured string soloist for the Crane School’s Honors Recital. Today, Miss Beard strives to achieve both technical and musical grace in her solo recitals.

Miss Beard graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Potsdam with a bachelor’s degree in music education and a certificate in viola performance. She is currently completing her master’s degree in viola performance at the University of Delaware, studying with renowned violist Sheila Browne. While pursuing her graduate degree, she is the primary string instructor for Newark Performing Arts, serves as principal violist of the University of Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and maintains a private studio.