Gregory Childress (he/him) is Lynchburg, Virginia native violist and violinist who began playing at the age of five in the Lynchburg City Schools Suzuki string program. Greg graduated Cum Laude from James Madison University in May 2019 with a B.M. in viola performance. He discovered his love for teaching during his time at JMU; Greg served as president of the JMU American String Teacher Association Collegiate Chapter. He taught after school group violin classes with Rockingham County Schools and launched a small private violin and viola studio. After graduating, Greg moved back home where he taught in the LCS Suzuki strings program from 2019 to 2022.
Greg runs a thriving Suzuki violin and viola studio in Lynchburg with over 35 students enrolled. Additionally, Greg is the string chamber ensemble director at Virginia Episcopal School. As a member and registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of Americas, Greg frequently participates in workshops, institutes, and teacher trainings. Greg has studied pedagogy with Dr. Wanchi Huang, Elizabeth Faidley, David Strom, Oscar Soler, Joanne Martin, Cathryn Lee, and Charles Krigbaum. With over 12,000 followers on Instagram, Greg uses his platform to showcase student progress, achievements, and also provide free tips and educational resources to teachers.
Greg is the principal violist of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and frequently performs for weddings and events across Virginia. When he is not teaching or performing, Greg enjoys vegan cooking, yoga, house projects, and traveling to new and inspiring places.
To learn more about Greg, check out his website at www.gregorychildress.com and follow him on Instagram @violagreg.