Kathleen Beard, Violin

Member of Southwest Florida Symphony since: before 2007

Born: Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Started studying violin in Sarasota, FL

Age started learning Violin: 5 years old

Degrees: Bachelor of Music (BM) in performance and Bachelor of Music Education (BME) from Jacksonville University (graduated with honors).  Master of Music (MME) from Florida State University

Kathleen studied and took lessons on Violin for 13 years PRIOR to attending college

Symphonic experience Kathleen brings to SWFSO: 
Orlando Philharmonic, Savannah Symphony, Alabama Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra(Belfast), Palm Beach Opera, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Walt Disney World Orchestra, Atlanta Pops (concertmaster for 2004 tour to Taiwan), Opera Naples, Tallahassee Symphony, Hilton Head Chamber Orchestra, Atlantic Classical Orchestra, Seaside Music Theatre, many National Touring Broadway productions

Music Festivals Kathleen has been a part of:
Brevard Music Camp (full Scholarship)
Summer Music at Meadows (Dallas, full Scholarship)
Aims Festival Orchestra (Graz,Austria)
Festival of New Music FSU
Missouri Symphony Society

Famous musicians Kathleen has worked with:  John Williams, Yo Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Jessye Norman, Mark O'Connor, Isaac Stern, Gil Shaham, Pinchas Zukerman, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Andrea Bocelli, Kristin Chenoweth, Gloria Estefan etc.|

Teaching Experience: Adjunct Professor of Violin, Daytona State College

Special music awards, scholarships, or accomplishments Kathleen has earned?

National Hinda Honigman Award Full Scholarships to Jacksonville University Graduate assistant at Florida State University

What Kathleen likes most about playing in SWFSO:  “Performing with such a wonderfully talented group of musicians that are like family. Playing for a community that deserves to have a professional orchestra as the crown jewel of a thriving arts community.”