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Carol Havelka is an accredited Suzuki violin instructor with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and a passionate, experienced music educator whose teaching career has spanned New York City, the Washington, D.C. metro area, and now Frederick County, Maryland.
At her private violin studio, Frederick Talent Education, students thrive in a structured, positive environment, designed to nurture both musical and personal growth.
Carol's teaching philosophy blends the Suzuki Method with traditional violin pedagogy, empowering students to grow not only as musicians but as curious, resilient, and thoughtful individuals.
Ms. Havelka’s approach emphasizes strong technical development in violin and music theory, while also cultivating lifelong skills such as curiosity, resilience, problem-solving, and empathy.
She believes that the discipline and creativity fostered through long-term musical study influences a strong foundation for success in all areas of life.
In addition to her music career, Carol has worked in IT, web and visual media, and enjoys photography, videography, and nature. She lives with her husband near Urbana, MD, along with Harvey (studio mascot Pomeranian) and Miss Kitty (a dignified Calico), and regularly spends time with her DaVinci, a tobiano pinto Warmblood cross horse.
Carol earned her Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Carroll Glenn and completed graduate coursework in Music Education at the University of Maryland, where she studied with Gerald Fischbach and Miles Hoffman.
She received her comprehensive Suzuki training through the esteemed two-year teacher certification course at The School for Strings in New York City, studying with Louise Behrend. Additional Suzuki instruction included training with Ronda Cole, Terry Durbin, David Strom, and Shu-Yi Scott.
Further violin studies were shaped by distinguished mentors including:
Chamber music mentors included Robert Newkirk, Artur Balsam, and members of the Stuttgart Trio.
She holds orchestral training credentials from Leon Barzin's ground breaking National Orchestral Association (NYC), and was Concertmaster of the Manhattan School Opera Orchestra under Anton Coppola, and was awarded a fellowship to the Congress of Strings in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Her NYC teaching credentials include work at leading institutions such as:
In the D.C. region, she built thriving violin studios in Kensington and Takoma Park, and taught at::
As a freelance symphonic violinist, Carol has performed extensively throughout New York City, Washington, D.C., and Greensboro, NC.
Her orchestral affiliations included:
Her performance career encompassed a wide range of venues and genres—including concert, opera, ballet, and musical theater—appearing at:
Carol took a sabbatical from the music world to explore work in IT/web development, and visual media.
In 2023 Ms. Havelka has returned to her true calling—sharing the joy of music through violin education. With decades of experience as both a performer and educator, she remains passionately committed to inspiring young musicians through expert instruction, encouragement, and a love of lifelong learning.
🎻Suzuki Violin Certification (Books 1 - 10) – Louise Behrend, The School for Strings, NYC
🎻Every Child Can! - David Strom, Greater Washington Suzuki Institute
🎻Book 2 (2024) – David Strom, Greater Washington Suzuki Institute
🎻The Musical Bow Arm: Violin – Timothy Durbin, Greater Washington Suzuki Institute
🎻Violin Practicum - David Strom, SAA Trainer
🎻Cultivating Imagination, Humor, and Emotional Connection through the Suzuki and Supplemental Repertoire – Timothy Durbin, Greater Washington Suzuki Institute
🎻Group Class Teaching Strategies – Dr. Shu-Yi Scott, Greater Washington Suzuki Institute
Frederick Talent Education Violin Studio
Frederick 21704
Located in Frederick/Urbana, Maryland 21704
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