Artist Faculty Performance Spotlight
Laura Manko Sahin, violin/viola
Laura Manko Sahin wears many hats – violist, violinist, educator – all centered around the vibrant music scene of New York City.
From solo performances to pop shows, and chamber and orchestral concerts to film music recordings, Laura has spread her musical magic across the USA, Europe, and even the Middle East. You might catch her performing with the New York City Opera Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, American Symphony, or adding her flair to a Broadway show. And when summer rolls around, she's a regular at the Meeting House Chamber Music Festival, soaking up those warm vibes. Prior to her move to the Big Apple, Laura was Principal violist of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, violist of the Hubbard Quartet and Boston Harp Trio, and a member of the Bilkent (Ankara, Turkey), Knoxville, and Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestras.
In her quest to spread the joy of music, Laura's been sharing her expertise at places like Skidmore College, Rutgers University-Extension, Luzerne Music Center, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. She's currently on faculty at The Lawrenceville School, and is a coach for the New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestras.
Laura's current and past students run the gamut – from blossoming beginner violin and viola students to adult amateurs, and from curious high schoolers to advanced college/professionals. She works to help each student realize their own personal goals, in whatever role music takes in their lives.
Laura completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Music from Bilkent University as a student of Ece Akyol. She earned her Artist Diploma and Master of Music from Boston University as a student and teaching assistant of Michelle LaCourse and Bachelor of Music Degree from University of North Carolina School of the Arts as a student and teaching assistant of Sheila Browne.
Laura lives in West New York, NJ with her husband, and two children, ages five and two.
