Jenni Pickering
Violin, Viola
Music has always had a place in Jenni’s life, from her earliest memories of singing with her parents while her dad accompanied on guitar. She began her own musical journey with classical strings in fourth grade at school, falling in love with the melancholy sound of the viola. After discovering her aptitude for music, she quickly added violin and clarinet, while pursuing vocal studies and guitar.
Jenni was a member of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra while they held the title of the Illinois Youth Symphony of the year for several years running, and earned a spot to apprentice with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra during high school. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Augustana College while studying under Deborah Dakin, also earning a degree in English. She has played with many area ensembles from string quartets to Celtic ensembles and rock bands, including a season as principal violist for the Clinton Symphony Orchestra. She has been teaching violin and viola of all levels for more than 20 years, 17 of those here in the Quad Cities.
Holding the personal philosophy that music should be accessible to everyone, she loves to explore and integrate diverse playing styles with classical technique, tailoring lessons to each student for a unique experience. Students from ages 5 to 75 thrive in her studio, with a focus on fusing musical development and enjoyment (along with a dash of hard work and more than a little laughter) as part of a well-rounded life experience.
When Jenni isn’t teaching or rehearsing, you might find her at concerts and festivals, feeding her love of live music, working with nonprofits for social justice, or building custom dance (hula) hoops. She lives in Rock Island with her husband Gordon and their four cats Applesauce, Parmesan, Ovaltine Jenkins and Mission Figs.
Jenni was a member of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra while they held the title of the Illinois Youth Symphony of the year for several years running, and earned a spot to apprentice with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra during high school. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Augustana College while studying under Deborah Dakin, also earning a degree in English. She has played with many area ensembles from string quartets to Celtic ensembles and rock bands, including a season as principal violist for the Clinton Symphony Orchestra. She has been teaching violin and viola of all levels for more than 20 years, 17 of those here in the Quad Cities.
Holding the personal philosophy that music should be accessible to everyone, she loves to explore and integrate diverse playing styles with classical technique, tailoring lessons to each student for a unique experience. Students from ages 5 to 75 thrive in her studio, with a focus on fusing musical development and enjoyment (along with a dash of hard work and more than a little laughter) as part of a well-rounded life experience.
When Jenni isn’t teaching or rehearsing, you might find her at concerts and festivals, feeding her love of live music, working with nonprofits for social justice, or building custom dance (hula) hoops. She lives in Rock Island with her husband Gordon and their four cats Applesauce, Parmesan, Ovaltine Jenkins and Mission Figs.
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