Lucy enjoys performing, teaching, and collaborating in the Boulder area.

At the age of nine, Lucy Rissman began playing the violin and her love for the instrument has carried her through 15 years of playing. Lucy graduated with honors from the Colorado University College of Music, studying with renowned teachers and performers Claude Sim and Alex Gonzales. During her time at CU, Lucy had the privilege to work with members of the world-acclaimed Takács Quartet, including Harumi Rhodes, Karoly Schranz, Richard O’Neill, and Edward Dusinberre.

In addition to playing in quartets and piano trios, Lucy has played in the CU Eklund Opera Orchestra and the CU Symphony Orchestra. In the spring of 2023, Lucy was a finalist in the CoM annual concerto competition. These memories are very special for her as they were a formative part of her development as a musician and person.

Lucy began mentoring students in 2017 and founded her private studio in 2021. That same year, she took a five-month-long string pedagogy course at CU and continues to update and evolve her teaching so that her students benefit from the most effective and inspiring pedagogy. Lucy’s teaching style is rooted in the Suzuki method, but she tailors lessons depending on each student’s unique interests.

Growing up, Lucy was trained in classical violin, but her time at CU opened doors to different musical styles. Now she enjoys improvising on jazz standards with colleagues and playing fiddle tunes just for fun! This exploration has deepened her love for the violin and made her a more vivacious and adventurous player. Lucy’s music is a delightful blend of finesse and creativity, captivating audiences wherever she plays, while also enriching her foundation for teaching.