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Mallory Todd

Mallory Todd

Associate Instructor, Violin and Viola

MM Music Performance and Pedagogy University of Utah
BM University State Utah

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Biography

Mallory Todd first picked up a violin at the age of four, and discovered a greater love for the viola at age eleven. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance in 2012 at Utah State University, a student of Russell Fallstad and Bradley Ottesen, former and current violists of the Fry Street Quartet. She went on to attend the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Viola Performance, studying with Rita Porfiris. When poor health prevented her from completing her degree at the Hartt School, she began taking lessons with Timothy Deighton, professor of viola at Penn State, until she moved back to Utah in October 2015. After beginning treatment for chronic Lyme Disease and fibromyalgia, Mallory decided to go back to school at the University of Utah, where she received her Master’s Degree in Music Performance and Pedagogy in August 2018. At the U, she was the violist of the Michie Graduate String Quartet, under the direction of Dr. Hasse Borup. She was also the principal violist of the Utah Philharmonia, under the direction of Dr. Robert Baldwin, and studied privately with Julie Edwards of the Utah Symphony.

Mallory believes that her pain and illness have positively redefined her technique on the violin and viola. After taking almost two years away from performing and teaching when she became ill, she realized that she must learn to play more intelligently, with more flexibility, less tension, and more mindfulness. She feels that the wisdom gained from this experience has greatly improved her abilities not only as a performer, but also as a teacher and mentor. Mallory has worked with many highly esteemed musicians and pedagogues, including Andres Cardenes, Mimi Zweig, Teri Einfeldt, Brant Bayless, the Fry Street Quartet, the Jupiter String Quartet, the Lark String Quartet, and world-renowned fiddlers, Alasdair Fraiser, Annbjorg Lien, and Martin Hayes.

Mallory was brought up in, and has great respect for, many aspects of the Suzuki method. From a young age, her teachers encouraged her to explore many different styles of music, including Classical, fiddling, jazz, modern, and everything in between. Her performing career includes solo, string quartet, orchestra, and pit orchestra performances; the highlight of Mallory’s year is playing for Cache Valley Civic Ballet’s and Ballet West’s productions of the Nutcracker! She was accepted to play on a full orchestra fellowship at Texas Music Festival in Houston from June 1-30, 2018. In August 2018, she successfully auditioned to be the newcomer principal violist with Salt Lake Symphony. As of February 2019, she is a member of the viola section with the Orchestra at Temple Square.

Mallory’s greatest passions are performing, particularly chamber music, and sharing her love of music with her students. When she’s not teaching, practicing, or performing, she loves to spend time with her husband, Wren, and their 2-year-old orange tabby cat, Oblio. Mallory teaches violin and viola students of all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced.

Courses Taught

  • Violin - private lessons
  • Viola - private lessons

 

Last Updated: 3/22/23