Expertise • Enthusiasm • Excellence
Jo Manning-Souza
Violin, Viola, Suzuki Violin, Suzuki Viola, Beginner Piano
Jo completed her BMus and MMus in Music Education at The Boston Conservatory, followed by master’s degrees in both Music Therapy and Mental Health at Lesley University. She is certified as a Suzuki teacher through book 10, is K-12 classroom certified, and has completed Orff Schulwerk training levels 1 and 2.
Jo has taught students in her private studio since she was in college. She is currently violin instructor and chamber music coach at Brookline Music School, and was strings teacher and general music teacher for 15 years in the Brookline and Springfield public schools.
Her students have performed at Carnegie Hall as prizewinners in the International Little Mozarts Competition and Crescendo International Competition, multiple times since 2013, and she is recipient of the Top Teacher Award 2024, Crescendo International Competition. They have also been accepted to Junior District (including as concertmaster) and All-State Orchestras, and have taken part in exchange programs in Japan.
Jo performs regularly with the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, of which she has also been guest conductor and concertmaster. She is professional soloist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mansfield, and Music Director and violinist with the Shovel Town and Friends Quintet.
Meet Jo
- How/what age did you start your instrument?
I started the violin at age 9, when the string department in school began offering lessons. - Did you come from a musical family?
My great-great grandfather played flute with John Philip Sousa, my sister has his flute. I have his son's trombone, which he played at Boston Symphony Hall. My grandmother was a professional pianist, who taught us piano as soon as we could sit up on the bench. My Dad played penny whistle, and my Mom sang at all of our weddings. My sister is a professional flautist, and my daughter has played at Carnegie Hall six times. - Best or funniest (or even worst!) musical memory from childhood?
My E string broke in my eye during a solo concert! - A highlight or two from your performing career:
Playing at Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Lincoln Center, Shalin Liu and the Hatch Shell in Boston. - What do you love about teaching?
I love to teach with lots of activities and games, and help you learn songs you love. I also love to watch a student perform for the first time. - What would you like your students to know about you?
I love teaching, and researching new music. I come from a family of teachers, I enjoy laughing, and music makes me happy! - Can you share a non-musical fun fact about you?
I love the ocean, kayaking, swimming, and kittens.