About Carol Havelka

Carol Havelka is a Registered Suzuki Teacher (through Book 10) with over 20 years of teaching and performing experience. She combines Suzuki philosophy with traditional training to help students grow in skill, confidence, and joy. 

Founder of Frederick Talent Education, Carol Havelka is a certified Suzuki violin instructor through Book 10 with extensive training at the Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard, and the School for Strings in NYC. She brings both professional performance experience and deep pedagogical training to her students. 

Music has been my lifelong companion. From the first sounds of violin lessons as a child to performances in New York City, Washington D.C., and beyond, I’ve been fortunate to study, perform, and teach at the highest levels. Today, my greatest joy is sharing that experience with students and families in Frederick, Maryland.

I believe every child can learn and thrive in music with the right support. At Frederick Talent Education, my teaching is grounded in the Suzuki philosophy: the teacher, parent, and child form a circle of learning, with consistency and care at the center.

My approach blends the warmth and encouragement of Suzuki with the technical rigor of traditional training, creating a balance where students grow in skill, confidence, and character.

• B.M. in Violin Performance, Manhattan School of Music
• Additional studies: The Juilliard School, School for Strings (NYC), University of Maryland
• Registered Suzuki Teacher through Book 10 (Suzuki Association of the Americas) — a level of training rare in the Frederick/Urbana area 
• Two-Year Suzuki Teacher Certificate, School for Strings (NYC)
   

Suzuki training with world-renowned teacher-trainers:

• Louise Behrend
• Ronda Cole
• David Strom
• Terry Durbin
• Dr. Shu-Yi Scott
   

I’ve had the privilege to study with legendary violinists and pedagogues, including:

• David Nadien
• Carroll Glenn
• Robert Gerle
• Ruggiero Ricci
• Samuel Kissel
• Walter Verdehr
• Helmut Braunlich
   

Each of these teachers shaped the way I approach both music and life — with discipline, curiosity, and artistry.

As a professional violinist, I’ve performed in orchestras, chamber groups, Broadway pits, and recording studios along the East Coast. My work has included:

• Freelance symphonic violinist in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Greensboro, NC 
• Appearances in PBS broadcasts and recordings 
• Backing ensembles for jazz and pop artists
   

These experiences continually enrich what I bring to the studio — giving students not just instruction, but inspiration from the world of performance.

Teaching is where all of this comes together. Each lesson is a chance to help a child discover their voice, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of making music. My students are not just learning violin — they’re building focus, resilience, empathy, and artistry that will serve them for life.

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