About Christine
My journey, experience, accomplishments, and why you should consider becoming my student
Christine Allison Kilbride is a seasoned performing violinist and dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience performing with renowned orchestras and mentoring aspiring musicians. Christine earned her undergraduate degree in music at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music.
She went on to earn her Master’s degree at the DePaul School of Music under a full tuition fellowship while training with the Chicago Civic Orchestra.
Christine performed for eight years as a tenured violinist with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra before relocating to Raleigh North Carolina.
Her career spans performances across the U.S. and Europe, and she remains a sought-after collaborator and teacher, committed to inspiring the next generation of violinists.
Education
Christine’s early musical training laid the foundation for her distinguished career. While pursuing her music degrees, Christine had the privilege of studying under the esteemed Stephen Majeske at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and with Joseph Genualdi and Mark Zinger while attending the DePaul School of Music.
While training with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, she gained invaluable orchestral experience under the guidance of these celebrated violinists, and through collaborations with conductors of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Her passion for chamber music was further shaped by studies with Peter Salaff, the Cleveland Quartet, and the Chicago String Quartet.
Teaching
Christine’s dedication to teaching is evident in her extensive work with young musicians. She served as the primary violin faculty member at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Virginia, where she guided students through a year-round training program. Additionally, she has taught as an adjunct faculty member at Christopher Newport University and the Academy of Music in Norfolk, VA. Christine’s commitment to education extends to coaching youth orchestras, including the Bay Youth Orchestra program and the Raleigh Symphony, where she has shared her wealth of experience to inspire and develop emerging talent.
In her private studio, Christine takes a personalized approach to instruction, focusing on building strong technical foundations while nurturing musical expression and self-confidence. Her students have gone on to perform in orchestras, compete successfully, and pursue collegiate music studies, a testament to her supportive and effective teaching style. Christine’s programs and workshops, known for their hands-on and interactive approach, emphasize technique, artistry, and performance preparation, making her a trusted mentor for students and parents alike.
Carrier
Christine’s performance career highlights her versatility and artistry in both orchestral and chamber music settings. As a tenured member of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for 25 years, she contributed her talents first as a full-time player and later as a part-time member after relocating to Raleigh, NC. She has served as principal second violin for ensembles such as the Chicago Civic Chamber Orchestra and the Carolina Ballet Nutcracker Orchestra, where she has held this position for 15 years. Her festival appearances include the Colorado Music Festival, Crested Butte Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra, and AIMS in Graz, Austria, showcasing her ability to adapt to diverse musical styles and settings.
Life
Locally, Christine is a vibrant presence in the Triangle’s music scene, performing with groups such as the North Carolina Symphony, North Carolina Opera, and the Triangle String Quartet. She has also served as concertmaster for the Tar River Symphony, Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, and Mansfield Symphony, among others. Her collaborative spirit and technical mastery have earned her a reputation as a sought-after performer in the region.
Commitment To Excellence
With a repertoire that spans Baroque masterpieces to contemporary compositions, Christine specializes in both orchestral and chamber music, with a particular passion for iconic works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. Her teaching approach ensures students gain exposure to foundational repertoire while also exploring diverse and lesser-known compositions, broadening their artistic perspectives and enriching their musical education.
Christine Allison Kilbride’s career is defined by her unwavering commitment to excellence in performance, education, and community engagement. Whether mentoring young musicians, performing with acclaimed ensembles, or contributing to outreach programs, she exemplifies the transformative power of music and continues to inspire students, colleagues, and audiences alike.
Professional Associations
What My Students Are Saying
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Ready to take your Violin Training to the next Level?
Reasons To Sign Up Today
- Tailored Lesson Plans
- One on One Training from a professional
- Flexible Scheduling
- No stress booking and rescheduling
- Convenient and Safe location in North Raleigh
- Access to an instructor with Decades of Performance Experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Is my child (or am I) too young/old to start violin lessons?”
Violin lessons can begin as early as age 3–5, with modified techniques and instruments for young children. Older children, teens, and adults can also start violin lessons and achieve success with consistent practice. Many adults find starting lessons later in life rewarding and a good way to keep the brain engaged.
“How much practice time is needed, and can I fit it into my schedule?”
For beginners, short, consistent practice sessions (10-20 minutes per day) are usually sufficient to make steady progress. As students advance, they can gradually increase their practice time. I can help create a practice plan that fits your schedule and balances other commitments.
“What are the costs involved in violin lessons, and are they worth it?”
Lesson costs vary depending on the teacher’s experience, location, and lesson duration, with prices typically ranging from $30 to $100+ per hour. Many find the cost worthwhile, as music education can enhance cognitive skills, focus, and self-discipline. Some schools or teachers may offer payment plans or discounts for package deals.
“Do I need to buy an expensive violin, or can I start with a rental?”
Renting a violin is a practical option as it allows students to explore their interests without a major upfront investment. Many shops also offer rent-to-own programs, allowing you to eventually own the violin if the student commits long-term.
“How do I know if the teacher is a good fit for my child/me?”
Look for teachers with a strong background in music, positive reviews, and experience teaching students of your or your child’s age. Many teachers offer a trial lesson to see if there’s a good connection. Parents should feel comfortable communicating with the teacher and observe if the child seems motivated by their approach.
“Will learning the violin be too difficult or frustrating for a beginner?”
Learning the violin does require patience, as initial progress can be slow. However, experienced teachers know how to keep lessons enjoyable and help students set achievable goals. Practicing a little each day rather than long, infrequent sessions can prevent frustration and help to build confidence gradually.
“I felt like I was stuck for months, but Christine helped me break down advanced techniques into manageable steps.”
Working with such an experienced instructor helped me tackle difficult techniques in smaller parts, making them less overwhelming and helped me achieve real progress again.
“I thought I was practicing enough, but Christine showed me how to practice smarter, not just longer.”
I learned how to be more effective with my practice time by focusing on specific areas, and I started to see real improvement without adding hours to my schedule.
“I plateaued with bowing techniques until Christine helped me master smaller movements.”
Focusing on fine motor skills in my bow hand has made my sound smoother and more expressive, allowing me to add more nuance to my playing.
“Christine’s tips on handling performance anxiety have completely changed how I approach live performances.”
By learning Christine’s techniques for managing nerves, I’ve been able to perform more confidently and now I actually enjoy sharing my music with others.
“The structure and discipline of weekly lessons have helped improve my focus.”
Regularly scheduled lessons keep students accountable, helping them build discipline, focus, and better study habits, which can carry over into other areas of life.
9. “I didn’t expect learning the violin would benefit my child academically, but it has!”
Music training in private lessons often improves cognitive skills, memory, and problem-solving abilities, which can enhance performance in school and other activities.