Kevin Yen holds his Bachelor’s degree of Music in Violin Performance from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds a Master’s degree of Music in Performance with Suzuki Pedagogy emphasis from East Carolina University. Mr. Yen taught in Greenville, NC while completing his studies at East Carolina University gaining broad experience through group and private instruction. Mr. Yen is in great demand as a teacher and performer throughout the Triangle area.
Strings and Violin
Lessons are offered in violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students are coached in both traditional and Suzuki methods and can join the program at any age and level. Many students are enrolled in school orchestra programs and receive help with learning music for all state and other types of auditions. Recitals are presented at the end of each semester and other opportunities to perform in and around our community are available. String instrument rentals are available through our partner site NEMC.
SUZUKI VIOLIN
All violin faculty members offer Suzuki as well as traditional violin lessons. This “mother tongue” method puts a great deal of emphasis on listening to music and performing often in a group setting. Students are able to begin their music training at an extremely early age with the aid of tiny instruments, which are readily available at Cary Music Supply. Parents are very much involved in the practice at home and are included in the lessons with the young child.
Instructors
Robert Garbarz
Robert Garbarz received his Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also pursued Doctoral studies at the University of North Texas. His teachers have included Julia Bushkova, Fabian Lopez, Richard Luby, and Nicholas DiEugenio. He has taught violin and viola for over 15 years, many of which have been at the Cary School of Music.
Robert’s extensive orchestral performance experience includes performances with orchestras such as The Fayetteville Symphony, Carolina Philharmonic, Wichita Falls Symphony, and the Louisville Orchestra. Summer festivals include the Raleigh Festival Orchestra, the Baroque Performance Institute at Oberlin Conservatory, and Richard Luby International Violin Symposium. To learn more about Robert or to hear recordings, visit his website at https://robertgarbarzviolin.com/
Robert has been a faculty member with Cary School of Music since 2017.
Madelynn Huff
Madelynn Huff – received her BM in Violin Performance from the University of Oklahoma, then chose to pursue her MM in Violin Performance at UNC-Greensboro. During her time at the University of Oklahoma, she was a member of the undergraduate scholarship ensemble, Claeys String Quartet, as well as a violin and viola instructor for the Sooner String Project. Madelynn was also a part of the Seraphin String Quartet Chamber Music Workshop, Marrowstone Music Festival, and Brevard Summer Music Festival. During her graduate studies at UNCG, Madelynn held assistant teaching positions in undergraduate music theory and aural skills courses. Additionally, she was a member of the Graduate String Quartet, which performed recitals and outreach concerts throughout the state of North Carolina. She is an active freelance musician in the Greensboro area, enjoying a range of collaborative and musical settings.
Pam Pandolfi
Pam Pandolfi , BM degree, violin and viola from Baylor University , is owner and Director of CSM. She teaches violin and viola including the Suzuki method to students pre-school through adult of all ages and ability levels. Pam taught elementary – high school public school strings in SC and Wake County, private lessons in several states and in the Triangle and performed as a free-lance violinist/violist in orchestras and ensembles for many years. Special studies were with Shinichi Suzuki at Oberlin Conservatory and numerous Suzuki and Orff workshops including participation as a Suzuki clinician with William Starr, at UNC-CH.
Mallory Phillips
Mallory Phillips holds a Master of Music degree from UNC Greensboro and a Bachelor of Music degree from Converse University, majoring in Violin Performance. She regularly plays as a section violinist in the North Carolina Symphony and has previously been a section violinist with the Winston-Salem Symphony and Greensboro Symphony, a substitute violinist for the Charlotte Symphony, and was the Principal Second Violin of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. She has been a featured soloist with the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium, and the Converse Symphony Orchestra. Mallory has performed at numerous summer festivals, including the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC and the Spoleto Music Festival in Charleston, SC. In addition to Mallory’s active performing career, she has also kept up an active violin studio, teaching at the Lawson Academy of the Arts in Spartanburg, SC from 2014-2016, and privately out of her home for the past 8 years. She has also led numerous college and high school level violin sectional rehearsals, including violin sectionals for the Senior High School Orchestra at UNCG Summer Music Camp in 2019, where she was a counselor and rehearsal assistant, the UNCG Symphony Orchestra, and the Converse Symphony Orchestra, and working as a regular sectional coach with the Triangle Youth Symphony.
Beyond classical violin, Mallory loves exploring different genres like bluegrass and Irish fiddle. She also writes and records original songs with her husband in their home studio. A multi-instrumentalist, Mallory also plays guitar and piano, and teaches both violin and piano at Cary School of Music.
Audrey Schleich
My name is Audrey Schleich. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music String Performance, graduate level training in Suzuki Pedagogy, and have been teaching violin at Cary School of Music since 2015. In addition, I teach fiddle music including Scottish, Irish, and blue grass. I believe that students should enjoy learning to play the violin while working on their technique, reading skills and musicianship. As the mother of a six year old daughter, I feel that the patience, understanding and parenting skills I have learned and experience every day are an important part of my teaching. It is a joy for me to work with children and to discover how each of them is so different and unique.
Kevin Yen
Comprehensive String Lessons for Every Stage of Growth
String lessons at Cary School of Music include violin, viola, cello, and bass, offering students of all ages a structured yet engaging path to develop technique, musicality, and performance confidence through both traditional and Suzuki methods.
Overview of Strings and Violin
For families searching for violin lessons in Cary NC or a well-rounded string program, Cary School of Music offers an exceptional experience built around flexibility, proven teaching methods, and real performance opportunities. Students can choose from violin, viola, cello, and bass, with instruction tailored to meet beginners, intermediate players, and advanced musicians alike. No matter where a student is starting, the goal remains the same: to build strong technical skills while fostering a genuine love for music. One of the defining aspects of these string lessons in Cary NC is the dual approach to instruction. Students are coached using both traditional methods and the Suzuki method, allowing for a customized learning experience that fits each student’s age, learning style, and goals. Traditional instruction focuses on reading music, technique, and structured progression, while Suzuki emphasizes listening, repetition, and early musical development. This combination creates a balanced and highly effective learning environment. Many students enrolled in the program are also part of their school orchestra programs, and lessons are often designed to complement and enhance that experience. Instructors provide guidance on school music, help students prepare for all-state auditions, and offer support for other performance-based opportunities. This additional layer of coaching helps students feel more confident and prepared, both in and outside of the classroom. Performance is a key part of the journey. Recitals are presented at the end of each semester, giving students the chance to showcase their progress in a supportive setting. In addition, there are opportunities to perform throughout the local community, helping students gain real-world experience and build stage confidence. These moments are often where students truly begin to see how far they have come. Accessibility is also a priority. String instrument rentals are available through a trusted partner, making it easy for new students to get started without a large upfront investment. This ensures that anyone interested in string instrument lessons in Cary can begin their musical journey with confidence and ease.
A Company You Can Trust
Cary School of Music has been a trusted name in music education for over 30 years, offering consistent, high-quality instruction to students across Cary and the surrounding areas. This longevity reflects a deep commitment to both musical excellence and student success. The school’s facility is thoughtfully designed to support focused learning. With multiple private studios and a dedicated recital hall, students have access to an environment that encourages both practice and performance. It is a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to grow. Faculty experience is another reason families continue to choose this program. String instructors bring years of teaching and performance experience, allowing them to guide students with both technical expertise and real-world insight. They understand how to work with students at different levels, adapting lessons to keep them engaging while still pushing for progress. Scheduling is designed with convenience in mind. Lessons are available throughout the week, and students can enroll at any time of the year. This flexibility makes it easier for families to start violin lessons in Cary NC or explore other string instruments without unnecessary delays.
Why Clients Choose Cary School of Music
Cary School of Music has been a trusted name in music education for over 30 years, offering consistent, high-quality instruction to students across Cary and the surrounding areas. This longevity reflects a deep commitment to both musical excellence and student success. The school’s facility is thoughtfully designed to support focused learning. With multiple private studios and a dedicated recital hall, students have access to an environment that encourages both practice and performance. It is a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to grow. Faculty experience is another reason families continue to choose this program. String instructors bring years of teaching and performance experience, allowing them to guide students with both technical expertise and real-world insight. They understand how to work with students at different levels, adapting lessons to keep them engaging while still pushing for progress. Scheduling is designed with convenience in mind. Lessons are available throughout the week, and students can enroll at any time of the year. This flexibility makes it easier for families to start violin lessons in Cary NC or explore other string instruments without unnecessary delays.
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Services
Business Hours
Mon: 12–8 PM
Tue: 3–8 PM
Wed: 3–8 PM
Thu: 3–8 PM
Fri: 3–6 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
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