Leah Jacobson - Conductor
Leah began her musical studies at the age of three and hasn't stopped!
Leah attended the University of Georgia where she received a Bachelor in Music in Music Performance for violin under the instruction of Levon Ambartsumian and Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva. Leah also received a Bachelor of the Arts in piano under Dr. Martha Thomas. After UGA, Leah went on to Georgia State University, where she received a Masters of Music Performance in violin. Leah studied violin under Dr. Christos Galileas, chamber music under Dr. Brandt Fredricksen and Martha Gerschefski, and conducting under Maestro Michael Palmer.
From 2010-2014 Leah lived in Atlanta, GA where she kept an active private violin studio of children ranging from 4 to 40 years of age and was the conductor and founder of SODA. She was also a member of SAGA (Suzuki Association of Georgia), where she served as President. In addition to teaching, Leah performed regularly with her trio, Luna Strings and numerous regional orchestras such as the Atlanta Pops, and Macon, Columbus, and Valdosta Symphonies. Leah has also performed with musicians in and around GA, such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban.
Leah lived in Los Angeles, CA from 2014-2019, where she taught violin and freelanced. She even recorded for over 30 commercials and trailers! She moved back to Decatur in 2019 with her husband and 2 baby girls!
Leah attended the University of Georgia where she received a Bachelor in Music in Music Performance for violin under the instruction of Levon Ambartsumian and Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva. Leah also received a Bachelor of the Arts in piano under Dr. Martha Thomas. After UGA, Leah went on to Georgia State University, where she received a Masters of Music Performance in violin. Leah studied violin under Dr. Christos Galileas, chamber music under Dr. Brandt Fredricksen and Martha Gerschefski, and conducting under Maestro Michael Palmer.
From 2010-2014 Leah lived in Atlanta, GA where she kept an active private violin studio of children ranging from 4 to 40 years of age and was the conductor and founder of SODA. She was also a member of SAGA (Suzuki Association of Georgia), where she served as President. In addition to teaching, Leah performed regularly with her trio, Luna Strings and numerous regional orchestras such as the Atlanta Pops, and Macon, Columbus, and Valdosta Symphonies. Leah has also performed with musicians in and around GA, such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban.
Leah lived in Los Angeles, CA from 2014-2019, where she taught violin and freelanced. She even recorded for over 30 commercials and trailers! She moved back to Decatur in 2019 with her husband and 2 baby girls!
Gloria Jacobson - Violin Coach
Dr. Gloria C. Jacobson has been a Suzuki violin teacher in the Atlanta area since 1978. Dr. Jacobson holds a Bachelor's and Masters' degree in Music Education, as well as a Ph.D. in Music History and Literature from the University of Florida. She received her Suzuki training in Gainesville, Florida as well as in Atlanta, Georgia. She has taught at the Suzuki International Learning Center, Torah Day School of Atlanta and Yeshiva Atlanta. She has been a member of the Agnes Scott College Orchestra, the Da Salo Solisti orchestra and presently of the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra where she has been a member of the Board and its Treasurer since 2001. Dr. Jacobson is a member of the SAA (Suzuki Association of the Americas) and SAGA (Suzuki Association of Georgia), where she served on the board for several years. She has been active in the Suzuki community and has organized Suzuki workshops and Play-Ins. Dr. Jacobson teaches out of her studio in Decatur, Georgia.
Daniel Hurst - Cello Coach
Daniel Hurst began music in his early teens, and studied under Ziggy Szohyek in Lawrenceville before moving on to study music at Georgia State University under Martha Gerschefski. He plays as a professional musician in the Atlanta and Metro-Atlanta area, and has performed in musicals, operas, and more for Georgia State University, the Marcus Jewish Center of Atlanta, and various public and private high schools.
Miffy Grayson - Violin Coach
Miffy started as a Suzuki violin student in her home state of North Carolina at the age of 6. She continued to study violin with Carole Shoaf through high school, and participated in many chamber groups and youth orchestras. At Duke University, she briefly studied chamber music with Jonathan Bagg, but focused on vocal and choral performance. Since moving to Atlanta in 1996, Miffy has enjoyed being part of the robust choral community here, performing with many church choirs, community choirs, and the Atlanta Opera Chorus. She has served as a staff singer at several area churches over the years, and is currently a Choral Scholar at North Decatur Presbyterian Church. She stays busy and happy as a freelance vocalist and violinist in the Atlanta area.