Teachers and chamber music/community orchestras in DC/NOVA?

Edited: September 14, 2025, 10:11 AM · Hi all, moved to the DC area (Alexandria, VA) recently for work. I'm looking to get settled into a violin routine again outside of just practicing/play on my own.

As the title states, does anyone have recommendations for teachers, or for ensembles I could join? I'm a decently advanced player but open to ensembles of all levels. One thing to note: I don't have a car, so I'd prefer something bus- or train-accessible.

Also, there's not enough space in the title, but recommendations for shops would be greatly appreciated as well. There's some maintenance I've been pushing off. Thanks!

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Paul Deck

September 14, 2025, 1:06 PM · I suggest that you contact Lydia Leong on this site. She will have info about pretty much every aspect of your question. Another person you could reach out to is Lisa Cridge in Arlington. If she cannot help you herself, she will probably know people closer to Alexandria who can.

Lydia Leong

September 14, 2025, 1:39 PM · Given that you're in Alexandria, Brobst should be convenient to you (probably by Uber, not public transit, though) -- they are perfectly capable of doing routine maintenance and repairs for good instruments. https://brobstviolinshop.com/

Your closest community orchestra is in Alexandria itself, the NOVA Symphony Orchestra - https://www.reunionmusicsociety.org/ - their rehearsal location should be bus-accessible, as it's on a community college campus.

For teachers, email me (my email address is in the contact info of my profile), and tell me a bit about what you're looking for, and whether you want in-person, online, or hybrid.

If you're interested in other options, email me. If you're public transit dependent, something very convenient by car might be less so via bus or train, so distances are funky things.

Teachers and chamber music/community orchestras in DC/NOVA?

Replies (2)

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