Doris Gazda

Doris Gazda, Faculty Associate at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, taught as a string specialist for many years in the Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools. Nationally known for her experience and expertise in string instruction, she presents workshops and conducts conference and regional student orchestras. While living in Maryland, Ms. Gazda founded and conducted the Frederick County (MD) Youth Orchestra and the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra, and was the conductor of the Frederick Community Orchestra.

A proponent of new music for student musicians, Ms. Gazda composes for young string orchestras. She is co-author of the string method, Spotlight on Strings, and numerous grade 1 through 3 string orchestra pieces. Many of her compositions have become favorites with both students and orchestra directors. Ms. Gazda has served as National Secretary for the American String Teachers Association, President of the National School Orchestra Association, and is currently Member at Large for ASTA with NSOA. Ms. Gazda achieved the Music Educators National Conference designation of Nationally Certified Music Teacher. She played violin professionally with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and as a freelance musician in the Washington, DC area. She is a graduate of Eastman School of Music and Penn State University.