Violin & Viola Teachers
Ruth Gordon

Ms Ruth Gordon: Violin ($37.50)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Ruth is a violinist and pianist from Wilmington, Delaware. Growing up, she studied piano with Orlando Otey and violin with Xiang Gao of the University of Delaware. In 2012, Ruth graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where she studied violin with Karen Clarke and majored in music and child studies. She performed regularly in Nashville for recording artists, weddings, special events, church services, and as a member of the Vanderbilt University Orchestra.
Ruth has received certification as a violin instructor in both the Suzuki and O’Connor methods. She has been teaching music since she was in high school to children of all ages. Her passion is to cultivate a genuine love for music in her students by encouraging fun and creativity while tailoring lessons to students’ unique personalities, learning styles, and musical interests.
Christopher Castillo

Mr. Christopher Castillo: Violin ($37.50), Viola ($37.50)

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

A multi-faceted musician and educator, Christopher Castillo is both a noted performer and composer. He has performed as an orchestral violinist, chamber musician and soloist throughout the greater Chicago area and the Midwest. He has also improvised in rock, blues, and jazz bands. His principal teachers include Edgar Gabriel of String Fusion and Dr. Sarah Gentry. His numerous compositions, including Starvation in the Presence of Grace, Pain, and Philosopher in a Jar have been premiered by local and national artists at both Illinois State University and Elmhurst College. While at Elmhurst College he regularly participated in the World Music Festival, showcasing works of Piazzolla and famed Bollywood film composer A.R. Rahman, among others. In recent years Chris has increasingly turned his attention to pedagogy and currently teaches strings at local area schools. His hobbies include fine woodworking and traveling.
Chris holds a Masters degree from Illinois State University and a Bachelors from Elmhurst College. He is currently preparing for his Suzuki Method teacher certification.