Instrument/Department: Violin, Suzuki Violin
Joined Hochstein Faculty in: 2023
A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Aleena Griffiths has been playing violin and piano since she was three years old. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she studied with Mimi Zweig. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Rochester, where she plans to meld her dual interests in music and psychology.
Griffiths has a strong Suzuki lineage through her parents, as both parents studied violin with Dr. Suzuki in Japan, and her father continues to teach using the Suzuki method. In addition to the benefit of observing her parents’ teaching for many years as a child, Griffiths has also completed Suzuki training through Book 2 at the Auckland New Zealand Suzuki Institute.
As a violinist, she has performed with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra in Carmel, Indiana, and the Jacobs Conductor’s Orchestra, and she has most recently taught at the Jacobs School of Music String Academy at Indiana University.
More About Aleena Griffiths
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Why the arts matter: Through the arts, and especially music, I believe it is possible to bridge societal divides and bring people together in these difficult times.
Favorite things to do in Rochester area: I love getting chai tea from The Chai Guy and walking through the beautiful neighborhoods in the Park Ave area.
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: At home with my black cat Pua.
My favorite local restaurant: Magnolia's
Favorite places to travel: US state and national parks