Teaching Artist Statement

Hello! My name is Adam Syed and I've been playing the violin since age three when I had my first lesson in the Suzuki violin program at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I credit the Suzuki Method for developing within me a fine, discerning musical ear and ability to play complex music from memory, as well as an overall enjoyment of playing the instrument. I have enjoyed successes as a professional violinist, and my successes as a performer would not have been possible without some of the finest training from individuals who dedicated their lives to teaching. I feel a strong pull to “pay it forward” and offer to new generations the gift I received as a youth. My mission, aligned with the Suzuki philosophy itself, is to create good citizens of society with music as the conduit.

Teaching Bio

Born in England but raised in Ohio from age 2, Adam's early training through high school took place at Cincinnati's CCM. He then began his undergraduate training in violin performance at The Ohio State University, where he studied with former Columbus Symphony concertmaster Michael Davis. Adam then transferred overseas to his native England where he completed his Bachelor's degree at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama under the tutelage of the eminent violin pedagogue Yfrah Neaman. His studies there included a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of performing Berlioz' Requiem in the BBC Proms concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. His graduate studies brought him back to Ohio where he completed his Master's degree in violin performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music under David Updegraff. Highlights of this period include receiving chamber music coaching from Peter Salaff and the world-renowned Cavani Quartet, as well as performing in Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra. Since completing his studies, Adam has taught private lessons for many years, in Ohio at Loveland Music Academy, and in various schools in Seattle, and is Suzuki teacher-trained. He has coached violin sectionals and judged seating auditions for Bellevue Youth Symphony.

Performance Bio

Adam has been performing professionally since October 1998, when he received a last-minute call to substitute in the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, during his third and final year at Ohio State. He continued to play regularly with WVSO throughout the college years, and he won a permanent position in the orchestra shortly after completing his studies. Later that decade, he also became a regular performer in the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and performed with many other ensembles in that region, including the Cincinnati Chamber Opera and Cleveland Opera. In 2014, life brought him to Seattle. Since then, he has held positions in Symphony Tacoma, Auburn Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with numerous other ensembles in the area as well as church performances and weddings. Adam plays with the Illumina Piano Trio, which periodically performs recitals. Adam has performed with artists including Josh Groban and Cirque du Soleil, and has toured Taiwan with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. His favorite orchestra concerts to perform are video game music concerts.