Dana Freeman is a distinguished violinist with a prolific career spanning decades in both performance and education. Her extensive experience as a performer, teacher, and concert organizer highlights her deep contributions to the classical music community.

Dana has been a dedicated member of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra's 1st violin section since 1986, a tenure that reflects her exceptional skill and commitment. She has also performed as a substitute violinist with the San Diego Symphony from 1999 to 2006 and held the role of principal 2nd violin at the Cabrillo Music Festival from 1988 to 2000. Her orchestral work has taken her to international stages, including positions with the Netherlands Philharmonic, Fine Arts Chamber Orchestra, and the Utrechts Symphony, among others.

In addition to her long-standing orchestral roles, Dana has engaged as a freelance violinist with prominent ensembles such as the Santa Barbara Symphony, Long Beach Symphony, Pasadena Pops Orchestra, and Los Angeles Opera. Internationally, she has worked with the Dutch Radio Philharmonic and the Netherlands Ballet Orchestra, showcasing her versatility across both classical and contemporary repertoires.

Dana's passion for community engagement is reflected in her leadership of concert series such as the Eagle Pointe Chamber Series and Concerts at Tapestry. Her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to organize outdoor concerts provided safe, much-needed access to live music during a challenging time. Through these initiatives, she has brought chamber music and master classes to diverse audiences, contributing both to the cultural landscape and to charitable causes.

Dana has toured globally as a 1st violinist with Yanni, and with the Neil Diamond String Quartet. Her residence with the Nidom String Quartet in Japan and her contributions to both European and American studio recordings further emphasize her dynamic career as a performer.

As an educator, Dana has held faculty positions at Concordia University, Vanguard University, and Santa Ana College, where she taught violin, viola, chamber music, and orchestral studies. Her private studio students have achieved success in prestigious competitions such as the American Protege Competition, the Satori Festival, Musical Arts Competition of Orange County, the Southern Youth Music Festival, the Global Young Musicians Competition, the

Global Musical Arts Competition, the Opus Music Competition, and the Charleston International Music Competition.

Freeman’s students are active in local ensembles such at the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Orange County Youth Orchestra, the Prelude Orchestras, the South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Junior Chamber Music. They win positions in the National Youth Symphony and the California All-State Orchestra. They also enjoy summer festivals and camps such as the Colburn School Chamber Music and Violin Intensive, The Montecito Festival, The Eastern Music Festival, the Los Angeles Youth Symphony Summer Festival, and Idylwild Summer Camp.

Dana’s formal musical education is grounded in prestigious institutions, including The Royal Conservatory in The Hague, Netherlands, the University of Missouri in Kansas City, and Johns Hopkins Peabody Conservatory. She has studied under notable mentors like Jacques Holtman, Tiberius Klausner, and Yong Ku Ahn, and has benefited from the coaching of internationally renowned artists such as Elmar Oliveira and Andres Cardenes.

Dana created and recorded the violin and viola videos for the "Ultimate Beginner" series of instructional videos and publications through Warner Brothers Publishing, and her popular YouTube channel, "Fundamentals of Violin Playing," is a resource for aspiring violinists. These educational initiatives reflect her ongoing dedication to sharing her knowledge and expertise with the next generation of musicians.

Dana Freeman’s illustrious career stands as a testament to her versatility as a performer, educator, and community leader in the world of classical music. Her contributions continue to inspire students and audiences alike.