Hannah MacNeal, Violin

Hannah MacNeal began her musical studies at the age of 11 in her hometown, Louisville, Kentucky with Stacey Yates. In 2012, she began attending the Youth Performing Arts Program at DuPont Manual High School for Viola Performance, where she studied with Jason Seber, Daniel Whisler, and Jonathan Mueller, a member of the Louisville Orchestra. During the four years spent there, she performed in the American String Teacher’s Association (ASTA) conference, the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) conference, and the Indianapolis Music For All Festival. She was also a part of the Louisville Youth Orchestra from 2011 until 2016 and had many regional performance opportunities alongside the Louisville Orchestra. In 2015, she was the only violist in Kentucky selected to be a part of the Kentucky Center’s Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA). These opportunities inspired her to continue her viola performance studies at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) with Dr. Catharine Lees. Throughout her time spent at CCM, she has been a part of countless solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. Hannah has recently performed with the Kentuckiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Lima Symphony. Not only has she continued her passion for performance, but she has also fallen in love with teaching. She has several years of teaching experience with a variety of ages and skill level. She loves to share her experiences and hopes to spark the light of music in those around her. She is currently finishing her degree at CCM, teaching private viola and violin lessons, and a part of a touring band, Acarya, where she plays a five- stringed electric viola. They have just released their first album, “The Way Home,” which was produced by Turtle and the Stone Productions. Hannah plans on pursuing a career in violin and viola performance and teaching based on experience, adaptability, and passion for music.