Sarah Catherine Sonnenberg

Violinist

Hi! My name is Sarah Catherine Sonnenberg. I was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia where I started group Suzuki lessons in the Lynchburg City public school system at the age of 5.  When I was 8 years old I began taking private violin lessons with Ms. Ellen Habitzruther, whom I continued to study with until graduating from high school.

As a young musician, I participated in many groups and regional orchestras around the state of Virginia and took part in many competitions. At the age of 17, I won a concerto competition and soloed with the local Youth Symphony. I have also done solo performances with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, been selected to perform for Forte Music Organization, and given multiple solo recitals throughout the central Virginia area. I also had the privileged of performing alongside world renowed pianist, and artist in residence at University of North Texas, Gustavo Romero.

During the summers, I attended many prestigious music festivals such as Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Burlington, VT; Strings International with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia PA; Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute of Music with the Boston Symphony, Lenox MA; Meadowmount School of Music, Lewis NY; Innsbrook Institue of Music, St. Louis MS.

I received a Bachelors of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) in 2019 as well as a minor in creative writing from University of Michigan. While at SMTD I studied under Mr. David Halen and Mr. Stephen Shipps. I had the honor of performing in many chamber music masterclasses including Latitude 49, Miro String Quartet, Pacifica String Quartet, and Audubon String Quartet.

Other teachers include: Ms. Linda Schroeder (National Symphony Orchestra), Ms. Akemi Takayama (Shenandoah Conservatory), Dr. Wanchi Huang (James Madison University), Dr. Shin Lin Tsai (Boston University), Mr. Andrew Jennings (University of Michigan), Ms. Amy Barlowe Bodman (Ohio University), Mr. Ivan Zenaty (Cleveland Institute of Music), Mr. Kevin Lawrence (University of North Carolina, School for the Arts).

I have been teaching privately for over seven years now and it is my passion! I work predominately with kids and teens, however I am of the belief that you are never too old to learn something new and am open and willing to teach adults who are motivated to learn! Check out my teaching philosophy! https://sonnenbergviolin.com/teaching-philosophy/

I am currently on staff at NorthRidge School of Performing Arts in Plymouth, Michigan (since 2019) and at Milford Music Academy in Highland, Michigan (since 2021) where I teach 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons. I also perform regularly with the Michigan Philharmonic, NorthRidge Church, and on the worship team at Trinity Presbyterian Church. I also continue to perform throughout the central Virginia area.