
Ann Valto is an American musician who began her musical career at age 7, starting first on piano, and then progressing onto violin studies as well at age 10. In her youth, she actively participated and competed in both school and community orchestras and choirs. In high school, she participated in the IMEA District IX high school orchestra for two years. As a senior, she participated in the IMEA All-State Honors Choir ensemble under the direction of Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. In 2008, Ann started studying violin music education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, under the teaching guidance of Renata Artman Knific. She also had the privilege of playing actively in the University Symphony Orchestra directed by Bruce Uchimura. In her spare time, Ann was an active member of WMU’s American String Teacher Association (ASTA) student branch, helping foster orchestral music programs in different schools throughout the state of Michigan. Since moving to Helsinki, Ann looks to continue her studies in music education.
Q&A
I’m from the USA, and I play violin, piano, and I sing alto as well.
I fell in love with a Finnish man. We’ve been married for almost a year and a half now.
Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
Coffee.
I enjoy playing computer & video games, making holiday arts & crafts, and drawing.
I have a soft-spot for Sherlock Holmes mystery novels. 🙂
Ahh! It’s so hard to pick just one. I’d have to go with Grant Kirkhope. He has such a unique way of adding color and life to his pieces.