Meet Lauren

Lauren Haren is a classically trained violinist and violist. She began her musical studies at the age of eight in Long Island, New York. She studied intensively with many private teachers and music coaches, including Dr. Linda Sinanian and Jeff Forden of Chamberosity, and Steve and Leslie Fayette. During her formative years, Lauren participated in many orchestras and ensembles including Long Island Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Susan Deavers and Martin Dreiwitz, as well as Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA), Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) All-County Orchestra and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Orchestra Festivals. She also performed with the Music for All’s Honor Orchestra of America in 2006 and 2007, under the direction of Benjamin Zander and Larry Livingston, respectively.

In 2007 she began her Bachelor of Music Degree studying Violin Performance under Alan Bodman, former concertmaster of Akron Symphony, and Cory Smith. She performed under Guy Bordo, director of Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Lauren worked with many musicians at the University, including Marvin Hamlisch and Andrés Cárdenes. Ms. Haren also performed as a violinist in the undergraduate string quartet coached by Martha Baldwin of the Cleveland Orchestra.

In Summer 2008 Ms. Haren toured Florence, Italy with the Protégé Chamber Group, rehearsing and performing throughout the city with other young musicians, both solo and chamber music.

In Summer 2010 Lauren had the opportunity to study at Brevard Music Center Summer Institute & Festival. She studied violin under Dr. Thomas Joiner of Furman University and performed with many conductors and musicians, including Matthias Bamert, Gil Shaham, William Preucil, and Andrés Cárdenes. Ms. Haren was also coached by members of the Harlem String Quartet throughout the summer.

From 2011 through 2013 Lauren continued her studies at the University of Akron, earning a Master of Music Degree in Viola Performance. Her love for small ensembles continued to grow as she became a member of two string quartets, a string and clarinet quintet, and a guitar, flute, viola trio. She had the opportunity to perform in a chamber music masterclass coached by Chamberosity. Lauren was a finalist in the UASO Concerto Competition two years in a row. She performed in many solo masterclasses with visiting musicians, including Ilya Kaler and Maria Bachman.

Upon graduating with her Masters Degree, Lauren continued to freelance through the Akron area, performing regularly with Akron Baroque and Singers Companyee, as well as Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Lauren is Assistant Principal Violist with Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, since 2019. She is a member of LSO’s Artistic Committee for the 2023-2024 season. Additional, Lauren performs regularly in ensembles with the Leesburg Chamber Players.

Lauren is an Orchestra Clinician for Upper Strings at Loudoun County Public Schools. She is honored to work with orchestra teachers and their middle and high school violinists and violists as they prepare for concerts and assessments throughout the school year.

She is an active, professional member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA), National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), and Loudoun Festival Club. Ms. Haren has served as a judge for Spring Festivals in Loudoun and Falls Church, as well as an adjudicator in Judged String Recitals for NVMTA.

Upon moving to Northern Virginia, Ms. Haren has continued to offer private violin and viola lessons to students of all ages and levels. She encourages all students to perform in her studio recitals. Her students have participated in a number of competitions and festivals, including the Golden Key Music Festival, National Federation of Music Club Spring Festival, and has had students successfully audition for various competitive youth orchestras.

Lauren has earned a certificate with distinction from Northwestern University for completing the course “Teaching the Violin and Viola: Creating a Healthy Foundation”.

Ms. Haren currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, son, and two cats. In her spare time Lauren enjoys baking, cooking, and reading historical fiction novels.