Teri Abler-Diekfuss, a native of Wisconsin, began her musical studies on the piano at age eight and soon began studying violin and viola thereafter. Teri, earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Bachelor of Music in viola performance and interdisciplinary characteristics of music from Lawrence University in Appleton WI. While in Wisconsin, she became Suzuki certified in both violin and viola from books 1 to 3 and taught for Appleton’s after school Suzuki club for several years. Teri has also earned a Master of Music in viola performance and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in music education from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro. During her time at UNCG, she served as the violist for the Graduate String Quartet and community engagement coordinator for all graduate ensembles. She also became involved in Durham’s Kidznotes, an El Sistema inspired after school music program for at-risk youth. During her time in Cincinnati, Teri maintained a private studio with over 30 students and studied music pedagogy at The Ohio State University with piano professor Dr. Kenneth Williams and world-renowned violinist, Dr. Robert Gillespie. Teri is currently finishing her seminar work with the New Jersey-based Francis Clark Center, with an emphasis on beginning level piano and foundational youth instruction.
Teri has played violin and viola in symphonies across the U.S. and has given countless chamber and solo recitals, but she finds teaching to be the most fulfilling. Her favorite form of teaching is one-on-one because it allows her to tailor lessons to each individual student’s specific learning styles and musical goals. To her, music is extremely beneficial to people of all ages, all levels, and all walks of life.
