Biography

Theresa Sauvage M.Mus.Ed., violinist, mezzo-soprano, and conductor, grew up in the Seattle Area and began studying violin at the age of nine. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance Magna cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin — Oshkosh, as well as a Master’s Degree in Kodály Pedagogy from Holy Names University in Oakland, California where she was a William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Fellow.

As a violinist, she studied with and was teaching assistant to Hungarian violinist Klara Fenyő Bahcall at the University of Wisconsin — Oshkosh. As a student, she performed extensively with the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh Symphony as Assistant Concertmaster and Principal Second. Additionally, she performed as a member of the South Shore Chorale’s orchestra. She has been heard with a wide variety of chamber ensembles ranging from violin duos to vocal quartets, as well as early music.

As a vocalist, she extensively studied voice under Dr. Craig Grayson and Mrs. Joyce Andrews. Solo engagements include performances of lieder by Luise Greger and Clara Schumann at the Luise Greger International Music Festival on Whidbey Island. In addition to solo work, she also participated in the University of Wisconsin — Oshkosh’s exclusive Chamber Choir under the expert leadership of acclaimed composer, Eric Barnum.

She served as both conductor and cantor at Our Lady of Fatima, Russian Church in San Francisco where she directed a small, a cappella choir exclusively specializing in Russian polyphony and chant. She has also been a guest conductor and alto section leader with the Calling All Choir in San Francisco, California. After returning to Washington, she taught private violin and viola lessons as well as Kodály based musicianship classes at multiple homeschool co-ops. She also founded and directed a string orchestra as well an an cappella young women’s vocal ensemble,

Sauvage currently runs an active private violin and viola studio in Mercer Island, Washington. She also serves on the faculty at Bellevue College where she teaches violin and conducting. Her students consistently hold top positions in their school orchestras, have placed in the Washington State All State Orchestra, and also participate in the Bellevue Youth Symphony as well as the Seattle and Bellevue Youth Symphonies summer programs. Students who have graduated from her studio have gone on to pursue degrees in music at University of Colorado — Boulder and others have participated in their universities orchestras.

As an instructor, she is dedicated to making her students receive a thorough, holistic, and joyful musical education in a warm and nurturing environment.