McKenzie Holt, Violin

McKenzie Holt was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and began studying violin at age 4. Her hero and grandfather, University of Idaho Professor Emeritus Dr. LeRoy Bauer, guided her studies from the start until college. Coming from a musical family, McKenzie quickly found a love for the violin and for performing, winning multiple local concerto competitions, joining as a founding member of her high school’s Chamber Orchestra, and participating in many regional orchestra festivals.

McKenzie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio, studying with Dr. David Bowlin, and a Master’s Degree from The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, studying with Violaine Melancon, a member of The Peabody Trio. While pursuing these degrees, she also began her teaching career with many of the local students, while also taking courses in pedagogy and the art of teaching.

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She met her husband at Oberlin, and they eventually settled in his hometown of Pittsburgh. While continually pursuing music, McKenzie also began working as a paralegal for an Intellectual Property law firm in the area. McKenzie and her husband Will were married in September 2018 and have two beautiful boys, Will Jr., and Charlie.

For McKenzie, music is about much more than just playing the instrument. She is so grateful to have found The Butler Symphony Orchestra, a place where she can share the joy and inspiration that can come from performing as a group. The unifying force that music brings is unlike any other, and she is looking forward to continuing her musical journey as a member of the orchestra.