About Rebekah
Rebekah Soued’s passion and love for playing and the violin, as well as for teaching it to others is apparent in all her musical endeavors. Ms. Soued believes music, both in listening to and playing it, can change people’s lives and it is her goal to ensure those around her have access to it. As a result, she is a strong advocate for outreach and benefit programs that bring the gift of music to underserved people and areas.
While completing her graduate studies, Rebekah taught violin to English as a Second language high school students in Bowling Green, KY, through the Bridging Cultures through Music program started by Dr. Ching-Yi Lin of Western Kentucky University. This program made it possible for these students, many of whom are refugees, to have the opportunity to learn the violin. Due to cultural differences and limited class time, she came up with creative ways to teach these students and make meaningful music.
Rebekah is passionate about teaching music in the private lesson setting. She currently maintains a large studio at the Smiley Building in Durango and at her home base in Silverton, she teaches lessons at the Silverton School through the 21st Century Learning Grant. Additionally, she offers lessons to students anywhere in the country via the online platform of Zoom. One of Rebekah’s favorite parts of teaching is holding a weekly group class for her students. It’s always fun to see students grow, gain confidence, and just have fun! Before returning to her home state of Colorado, Ms. Soued taught at Let’s Make a Note in Winchester, TN. While completing her graduate studies in Kentucky, she was on the faculty for the Western Kentucky University (WKU) Pre-College Strings Program. All through her undergraduate years at Fort Lewis College, Rebekah maintained a teaching studio in Durango.
In addition to her love for teaching, Ms. Soued also has a love for performing. She has performed in venues in Colorado, Kentucky, and Tennessee, ranging from full orchestra performances in the Newman Center for the Performing Arts in Denver, to chamber and pop music performances in a tiny bandshell at Columbine Park in Silverton, CO. She is currently a member of the San Juan Symphony. In 2021, she performed as concertmaster for the Southern Kentucky Choral Society's first concert since the Covid pandemic began. She held the position of concertmaster for the WKU Symphony while completing her graduate studies. During this time, she had the opportunity to play the concertmaster solos for Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite. In solo recitals, she has performed well-known works such as the Barber Violin Concerto alongside lesser known works such as Improvviso in re minor, by the 20th century composer Nino Rota. Rebekah also has a passion for world music which resulted in her playing with the Pan-American Ensemble in Durango, CO. This group performed a wide variety of Latin American music including Mariachi, Argentinian tango, and Brazilian choros. Her most meaningful performances, however, have been those that she has given in nursing homes or the fundraisers for a worthwhile causes.
Rebekah’s greatest passion, however, is chamber music and finds opportunities to explore this medium whenever she has the chance. She is a founding member of Silverton’s own Anvil Quartet/Anvil Strings. In addition to playing weddings, the Anvil Quartet performs regularly in Silverton with offerings ranging from Classical to Americana to Holiday music.
Ms. Soued holds a Masters Degree in Violin Pedagogy at Western Kentucky University having studied with Dr. Ching-Yi Lin. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Violin Performance from Fort Lewis College, studying with Drs. Brent Williams and Brandon Christensen. Additionally, she holds a Professional Certificate in General Music Studies from Berklee College of Music.
When she is not pursuing her musical endeavors, Rebekah loves to spend time in the outdoors and mountains with her husband Marv. You can find her hiking, backpacking, kayaking, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, gaining great inspiration in nature. She hopes to one day combine these two passions by creating a chamber music recital series in the remote, high mountain valleys of Colorado