Amber Archibald, viola

A native of Houston, Texas, Amber Archibald has been praised for her bold and vivacious playing that matches her personality. In the August 2006 issue, ARTS! Houston Magazine said her technique was “seemingly effortless…precise,” and that she was “a natural in every sense.” As a violist, Ms. Archibald has concertized in the United States, Portugal, Austria and Germany. Her most noteworthy performance was at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany. Heide Lang, of the Leipzig Volkzeitung, said “…she commands her instrument, even in difficult passages…with a marvelous tapestry of sound.” Locally, Amber was the 2006 winner of the Texas Music Festival Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition. She has also been featured on the radio show “The Front Row” on KUHF 88.7 FM as an up and coming performer. Amber received her Bachelor’s degree in violin performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. There, she studied with world renowned pedagogue, Mimi Zweig and worked with the Indiana University String Academy. She attained her Master’s degree in viola performance as a student of Karen Ritscher from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and taught in the Shepherd School Preparatory Department. Additionally, she studied with Martha Katz at the New England Conservatory of Music. Currently, Ms. Archibald is actively pursuing a career of teaching privately in the Houston area.

Getting to know Amber Archibald:

Hobbies: Video Games, 80's cartoons, reading, hanging with my dog Jazz, runnin' my mouth.

Favorite Food: I love pizza and beef empadnadas!!!! I am also a huge fan of any kind of berry or fruit for that matter...

Most Memorable/Scariest Musical Experience: Hahaha!!! I just played my first international solo concert at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany to a sold out crowd of 2,000 people!!!! It was very scary seeing all those faces looking down at me. All I kept thinking was "these people have payed to see me play so give 'em a show!"

What I Enjoy Most about Being a Young Artist: Oh man, all the people you meet and then run into again 5, 10, and 15 years later. I think being a musician is the only field where that happens so often! Also, I love being able to share my joy of music with people from all walks of life. There's nothing better than that!

Personal Quote/Motto: I don't really have one but I will say this; I cannot stand ingratitude. Always be thankful for what you have and sometimes for what you don't.