Martha Bruce, violin
Martha Bruce graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Music in violin performance from the University of Maryland. She is currently pursuing a Master in Music in violin performance from the Peabody Institute, studying with Violaine Melancon.
Originally from Vermont, Ms. Bruce grew up playing orchestral and chamber music throughout the New England area. Since beginning the violin at age six, she quickly developed a passion for all types of music. In 2003, Ms. Bruce assumed the concertmaster position in the Vermont Youth Orchestra, working with musicians such as Soovin Kim and Jaime Laredo. She was a winner of the Vermont Youth Orchestra Senior Soloist Competition, playing with the orchestra in January of 2005. She spent many summers playing music at the Kinhaven Music School in Weston, VT. This was a particularly influential experience, and one that propelled her interest in chamber music.
In her undergraduate career, Ms. Bruce enjoyed playing in the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra– an ensemble led by James Ross that featured a dynamic and diverse programming. She participated in several unique concerts with the orchestra, including a multimedia presentation of Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka, as well as a concert featuring John Adam’s The Chairman Dances, performed with the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange.
As an undergraduate, Ms. Bruce was part of the Chamber Music Connections program at the University of Maryland. This program focused on bringing classical music into disadvantaged elementary schools in the area. Ms. Bruce’s string quartet made many presentations in public schools, educating and performing for third and fourth grade students.
Her principle teachers include Ira Morris, Dr. James Stern, and Violaine Melancon. She has also coached with members of the Guarneri Quartet, including Arnold Steinhardt. She has participated in various summer festivals including the National Orchestral Institute and Garth Newel. She has taught privately throughout her high school and undergraduate career, and most recently was on the faculty of the Vermont Youth Orchestra’s Reveille Festival in August of 2009.