Dawn Harms

Dawn Harms is a Lecturer in the Department of Music at Stanford University, specializing in violin, viola, chamber music, and conducting. She maintains an active career as a performer, holding positions including co-concertmaster of the Oakland Symphony and concertmaster of the Santa Fe Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra. She is also a member of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and New Century Chamber Orchestra.

Education

• M.A., State University of New York at Stony Brook
• B.M., New England Conservatory of Music

Research and Professional Focus

Harms' work bridges performance, education, and leadership. She founded the Elixir Chamber Orchestra and Music at Kirkwood, emphasizing innovative ensemble direction. Her advocacy for youth music education includes former leadership of the Amarillo Youth Orchestra and ongoing educational outreach across the western United States.

Awards and Recognition

• Grand Prize, Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition (with Harrington String Quartet)
• Grand Prize, Evian International Chamber Music Competition (with Harrington String Quartet)

Creative Output

Her discography includes solo recordings The Black Swan and The Hot Canary, alongside collaborations with Tom Waits on albums Alice and Blood Money.