Christopher Luther

Dr. Christopher Luther is an Affiliate Faculty member in Violin & Viola at the School of Music, College of Undergraduate Studies. He holds a DMA in Viola Performance from the University of Texas, Austin, an M.M. in Violin Performance from the University of Southern California, and a B.M. in Violin Performance and Jazz Studies from the University of Denver. His career bridges classical and non-classical music performance and education.

• DMA, Viola Performance – University of Texas, Austin
• M.M., Violin Performance – University of Southern California
• B.M., Violin Performance and Jazz Studies – University of Denver

Dr. Luther is a dedicated pedagogue certified in the full Suzuki Violin Method and Suzuki Viola Book 9. He specializes in string teaching, improvisation, and integrating jazz and folk traditions into classical string education. His innovative approach connects diverse musical styles to enrich student learning and performance.

His performances span classical, jazz, and free improvisation, with appearances at the American Viola Society National Festival and the International Viola Congress. He has performed in film soundtracks, including The Soloist, and collaborated with renowned artists such as Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, and Andrea Bocelli.

Dr. Luther is an in-demand masterclass clinician and all-state conductor, having taught at institutions including Peabody Conservatory, Temple University, LSU, and universities in Taiwan and Mexico. He serves as artist-faculty at the Montecito International Music Festival and Pepperdine University’s summer program in Germany.

• Co-founder and Co-director, Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp (entering its 20th season)
• Certified in Suzuki Violin Method (full) and Suzuki Viola Book 9
• Featured performer at American Viola Society and International Viola Congress
• Performed on-screen in The Soloist and on the Jay Leno Show

He has mentored students of all ages and abilities, taught string pedagogy and literature courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and continues to shape modern string education through a comprehensive, genre-inclusive approach.