Festival Directors

Amy Johnson is a dedicated Suzuki violin and viola instructor with a passion for nurturing young musicians. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, she brings a wealth of experience in violin pedagogy, ensemble performance, and music education. Amy holds a Master of Music in Violin and Viola Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Southern Virginia University, where she graduated cum laude with a minor in Spanish. She has pursued extensive Suzuki training, completing coursework through Suzuki Book 5, as well as Suzuki Early Childhood Education Stage 1. Additionally, she holds a Level 1 Endorsement from the Paul Rolland Pedagogy Society, reinforcing her commitment to well-rounded and expressive string instruction.

Currently, Amy serves as a violin instructor and Institute Director at the Suzuki Academy of Columbia and the Youth Orchestra Manager for the South Carolina Philharmonic. Through these roles, she fosters a supportive and inspiring learning environment for students of all ages.

Jessica is the Suzuki Education Coordinator and Violin Instructor at the Suzuki Academy of Columbia, where she has taught for 15 years, including 9 years at the Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory and has studied under renowned teachers such as Ms. Doris Lederer and Dr. Akemi Takayama. Jessica furthered her education at East Carolina University, training in Suzuki Pedagogy, Every Child Can! through book 10 under Joanne Bath. She is committed to ongoing professional development, 

As a freelance violinist, Jessica performs with the South Carolina Philharmonic and the Rock Hill Symphony. She also enjoys participating in the Healing Harmonies project and performing in the family-friendly sensory concerts through the South Carolina Philharmonic, which bring music to those with unique needs.

A proud wife and mother of two boys, one of whom is a budding cellist, Jessica’s personal experience enriches her understanding of the Suzuki method. She is passionate about creating a nurturing environment for her students to develop strong musical skills and a lifelong love of music.

Kristen Harris is the Violin Coordinator and violin instructor at the Suzuki Academy of Columbia, and adjunct professor of Violin Pedagogy and String Techniques at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. She received her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Oregon, where she studied with Fritz Gearhart, and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of South Carolina, where she studied with Dr. William Terwilliger and taught at the USC String Project under the direction of Dr. Gail Barnes. Kristen has been teaching Suzuki violin since 2007, and is registered through the Suzuki Association of the Americas for all 10 violin books. She is an active freelance musician around the Southeast and enjoys performing and recording regularly as a solo artist and with ensembles ranging in style from classical and jazz, to old time, bluegrass, pop and rock. 

Emma Brown teaches viola, violin, and Music Mind Games at the Suzuki Academy of Columbia and serves as the Director of Orchestras at Cardinal Newman School. She also conducts the Prelude Orchestra with the South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestras and performs as a freelance violist and violinist throughout South Carolina and the southeast. Emma holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Ithaca College and Master of Music degree in Violin and Viola Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina. During her time at the University of South Carolina she served as a graduate assistant and as Assistant Director of the UofSC String Project under the direction of Dr. Gail V. Barnes. Emma has completed several units of registered Suzuki teacher training on viola and violin as well as Music Mind Games Unit 1 training.