Musician Bio
Dayna is a dedicated musician and educator with over 27 years of experience teaching piano and violin to students of all ages and skill levels. She began studying piano at the age of eight through the Youth Conservatory at Utah State University, training under the acclaimed Laura G. Zisette and Professor Betty R. Beecher. A year later, she added the violin to her musical pursuits, studying with Janice McAllister and Ted Ashton in Logan, Utah.
Dayna earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Human Resources, with a minor in International Business, from Utah State University. She also holds a Certificate in Near Eastern Studies from the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center. Her passion for music led her to complete a Master of Music in Violin Performance at New Mexico State University, where she studied under Daniel Vega Albela and Blake Espy of the Latin Grammy-winning La Catrina Quartet, and received additional private instruction from Michael Fedkenheuer of the Miro Quartet.
As a violinist, Dayna has performed professionally with the Harrogate Philharmonic, the San Antonio Messiah, the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, and the Colorado Springs Chamber Orchestra. Her solo performances have taken her across the globe, with appearances in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Luxembourg, and throughout the United States.
In addition to her violin work, Dayna is an accomplished pianist. She has accompanied high school choirs and regularly plays both piano and organ for church services.
A registered Suzuki teacher, Dayna has received specialized training in both private and group instruction with violinist David Strom. She is passionate about inspiring her students, learning from fellow musicians, and sharing music wherever life takes her.
Dayna currently teaches from her home studio in Germany, where she continues to foster a love of music in her students and community.
Teaching Philosophy & Studio Policies
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” ~ Anonymous
My goal as a teacher is to help each student realize their full potential as a musician—for their personal fulfillment and to bring joy to others throughout their life. I believe that anyone, regardless of age or prior experience, can learn to play the violin or piano beautifully. Every student is unique, and I tailor my teaching to support their individual strengths, challenges, and musical goals.
In every lesson, I aim to inspire and motivate, helping students see what they are capable of achieving. I use a combination of proven methods—including the Suzuki Method, Faber Piano Adventures, and Bastien series—along with scales, etudes, music theory, and a wide range of repertoire to build a strong and versatile foundation that supports any musical style a student may wish to explore.
Students also benefit from group lessons and two recitals each year, which provide valuable opportunities to build confidence, develop performance skills, and draw inspiration from their peers.
I believe a great teacher can transform the learning experience and ignite a lifelong love of music. Let’s make music together!
You can read my current studio guidelines here.
