Ms. Trahan

Ms. Trahan - Music Class

I began my violin studies at the age of 5 in the Suzuki program in Columbus, Ohio. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Ohio University, graduating with the honors of summa cum laude,  2nd in my class, and Most Outstanding Performer. I also began my teaching career at Ohio University, teaching Suzuki in the Athens Community Music School. I then went on to the Manhattan School of Music, where I received a Masters of Music in Violin Performance. I began teaching at the Suzuki Music School of Westport in 1999, where I was the Assistant Music Director. In 2005, I left SMSW to create the Talent Education Suzuki School in Norwalk, where I taught all ages and levels, with a focus on developing my teaching philosophy for the advanced student. I currently have a private studio in Milford, Ms. Jen’s Violin Studio, and am a violin and viola coach with the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras.  I also developed and direct a strings program for Catholic Elementary and Middle Schools and have students at St. Mark School and St. James School in Stratford, CT.  My students have gone on to study violin and music in pre-conservatory programs as well as college, such as Manhattan School of Music, University of Maryland, American University, UCONN, Northwestern University University of Rochester, and Wake Forest. I perform with the Wallingford Symphony, Orchestra New England, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, Norwalk Symphony, am the violinist for St. Catherine of Siena in Trumbull, am a member of the Magnolia String Quartet, and freelance throughout Connecticut.

I have a loving partner and husband of 24 years.  We share the joys of raising two boys, Lucas and Maxwell.  I enjoy reading, physical fitness, and play softball.  

I have been teaching General Music at St. Mark School since 2018. I believe that music is a gift that we all can receive and give.  Music is such an integral part of the Catholic faith.  We use it to worship, pray, rejoice, mourn, pronounce our faith, and to share our lives.  It is important for children to be a part of the church in this way.  Understand the foundations of music will enrich their lives, promote success in all aspects of education, and give them a greater appreciation for music they hear every day.