About the Studio
JoAnna Farrer brings over three decades of professional experience as a violinist, educator, and performer to her private teaching studio. A graduate of The Juilliard School and current Concertmaster of the Savannah Philharmonic, JoAnna has performed internationally with major orchestras and artists—including Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, and members of the New York Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and more.
At the heart of JoAnna's studio is the belief that music is a lifelong companion, not just a skill to master. She helps each student become fluent in the language of music through structured goals, personalized feedback, and joyful exploration - whether preparing for auditions, or tackling new repertoire.
Her students build strong foundational abilities of technique, rhythm, form, and musicality, but also develop improvisational skills, explore traditional music, and build confidence through regular performance challenges and portfolio recordings.
Each student receives a customized path of study, crafted through ongoing conversations and thoughtful observation. This Musical Map evolves over time, helping students - and families - track progress, nurture curiosity, and stay motivated.
Whether your child is just beginning their musical journey, or you're an advanced violinist looking for expert mentorship, JoAnna’s teaching is focused, intuitive, and deeply rewarding.
“I believe that we learn by practice.
Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same.
In each, it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one's being, a satisfaction of spirit. One becomes, in some area, an athlete of God.
Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.”
― Martha Graham
Mental Preparation
Success on stage = success in life
Performing under pressure is one of the most overlooked (and most important) skills a young musician can learn. Whether preparing for a school audition, youth orchestra tryout, competition, or college entrance video, students often struggle with nerves, self-doubt, or lack of focus in high-stakes moments.
JoAnna specializes in helping students develop the tools to stay centered, confident, and musically expressive under pressure. Drawing from decades of performance experience and deep training, she offers clear techniques for overcoming performance anxiety and stage fright for performers of all ages and levels.
Students in JoAnna’s studio don’t just learn how to play well in the practice room, they learn how to shine when it matters most.
“We’re so happy Sara studies with JoAnna. She’s learned so much, and we’ve watched her abilities blossom over the last year. Her sound has changed so much, and she really loves her lessons.”
-- Emily A.
“After almost 2 years of arguing with my daughter over practice time, watching her face the same problems over and over, we started lessons with Ms. Farrer. For the first time, Erika started looking forward to lessons, and we can hear the difference in her playing”
— Linda H.
In Person, or From Anywhere
JoAnna offers lessons in three convenient formats, all designed to support progress, consistency, and individualized attention:
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In-person in Brownington, VT (Northeast Kingdom area)
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In-person in Milton, VT (near Burlington, only on select days each month.)
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Online via Zoom (available to students anywhere)
All formats include customized lesson planning, expert feedback, and access to JoAnna’s full teaching approach and resources.
