Born and raised in England, violinist Sally Gardner-Wilson has lived and worked in the US since 1995. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying with Jack Glickman, and her Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, studying with Sherban Lupu.
Ms. Gardner-Wilson has toured extensively in Europe with orchestras and string ensembles, and has participated in the Banff Summer Music Program, the Aldeburgh Festival, St. Endellion Music Festival and Britten-Pears Orchestra. Ms. Gardner-Wilson is the Associate Concertmaster of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and a core member of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra. She is also a member of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, and performs with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. Ms. Gardner-Wilson has also held the position of Associate Concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Equally comfortable playing in an arena as on a concert hall stage, she loves the variety of playing opportunities she experiences as a freelancer.
As a teacher, Ms. Gardner-Wilson focusses on developing the well-rounded musician; making sure to balance a strong technical foundation with an understanding of personal musicianship, all while nurturing the student’s sense of musical identity and growth. With a natural ability to engage with students, she encourages them to develop their own musical intuition, and by doing so, gain confidence in their ability to express themselves through their playing. She teaches students of all ages and skill levels, using the traditional method, balancing the importance of note-reading skills with solid technique. Her students have won positions in All-State Orchestras and youth orchestras in the Atlanta metro area.
Ms. Gardner-Wilson has held violin faculty positions at Spelman College and Agnes Scott College, and at The Lovett School, Holy Innocents Episcopal School and Athens Academy.
