Dr. Sophia Lim Arriaga, Violinist and Educator
Dr. Arriaga’s studio is located in Great Falls, VA (near Riverbend Park) and welcomes children and adults alike to visit. She is a Paul Rolland Pedagogy Mentor (teacher trainer) and certified presenter. She continues to expand her knowledge through undergoing licensure training for body mapping, specializing in upper strings. She has taught and presented to over a hundred dedicated students and professional violinists and violists internationally as a Rolland Pedagogy Mentor and through her own online programs, Back to Basics Violin/Viola Bow Workshop and VIP Violin/Viola Program.
Sophia’s playing has been featured on television, radio, in newspaper, and magazine. She has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras in San Diego, given recitals nationwide, played professionally as an orchestral musician, as well as served as concertmaster of multiple orchestras. She has taught the violin for many years including as a faculty at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music Preparatory Program and at the Paul Rolland Pedagogy Workshop.
Sophia received a full Dean’s Merit Scholarship to attend Vanderbilt University where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree. She was awarded the use of the school’s 18th century violin and served as concertmaster of the orchestra. She was also honored with the Jean Keller Award for Excellence in String Playing. In addition, she received full scholarship to attend the Aspen Music Festival for two summers. She attended Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music on a merit scholarship where she received her both Masters and doctorate in violin performance with a cognate in music theory.
Sophia is also a dedicated pedagogue, and in addition to being a Paul Rolland Pedagogy Mentor and presenter, is also certified in the Suzuki method (she was a Suzuki kid growing up). Other pedagogical approaches she has studied include that of renowned pedagogue Mimi Zweig as well as Kurt Sasshmannshaus. She also incorporates the teachings of Alexander Technique and Body Mapping (she will soon be licensed). She taught her first lessons when she was only 10 years old when her school orchestra teacher asked her to lead sectionals. She then continued in her youth to teach in community service programs for underprivileged children, including at the Pittsburgh Hill House and the W.O. Smith Music School. She works with a variety of ages from age five to older adults and invests much time and studio earnings to continue to stay updated with the latest tips and tricks in violin pedagogy.
Sophia previously played as a tenured violinist with the Madison Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jon DeMain. She was also a member of the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and as well as the Richmond (IN) Symphony. She regularly plays with the Virginia Symphony and the Richmond (VA) Symphony. She was also awarded the Violet Richardson Soroptimist award in San Diego for her community service, including founding a student organization that raised over $11,000 in four days to help save the fifth grade music program in the Poway Unified School District.