Courtney Chrestensen, Viola/Violin
"When I was only four years old I began taking piano lessons here in Jacksonville Florida. This musical seed that was planted in me began to blossom and at the age of 9 I began studying violin, and then viola at the age of 10.
Years later I was accepted into Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where I truly discovered my passion for the viola and performing. Throughout my adolescence my family experienced numerous hardships, including a house fire that left us with very little to live by. However, it was during this time that I realized that my music was unconditional- my soul is so deeply rooted in music that it cannot be taken from me. It was during my junior year when I found myself spending hours practicing Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to my art.
In 2014 I was accepted into the Jacksonville University Fine Arts Department with a full-ride scholarship for Music Education. There I study closely with Marguerite Richardson and perform in numerous ensembles, including the Jacksonville University Orchestra and String Quintet. I also assist with the Jacksonville School of Music and the First Coast Community Music School.
One day I dream of joining a world-renown symphony orchestra and touring the globe, or maybe opening my own studio, or evening joining an orchestra to make music for movie soundtracks- wherever life takes me I vow not only to hold my music close to my heart, but also to share it with the world!"
Years later I was accepted into Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where I truly discovered my passion for the viola and performing. Throughout my adolescence my family experienced numerous hardships, including a house fire that left us with very little to live by. However, it was during this time that I realized that my music was unconditional- my soul is so deeply rooted in music that it cannot be taken from me. It was during my junior year when I found myself spending hours practicing Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to my art.
In 2014 I was accepted into the Jacksonville University Fine Arts Department with a full-ride scholarship for Music Education. There I study closely with Marguerite Richardson and perform in numerous ensembles, including the Jacksonville University Orchestra and String Quintet. I also assist with the Jacksonville School of Music and the First Coast Community Music School.
One day I dream of joining a world-renown symphony orchestra and touring the globe, or maybe opening my own studio, or evening joining an orchestra to make music for movie soundtracks- wherever life takes me I vow not only to hold my music close to my heart, but also to share it with the world!"