Laura Burns, violinist, is a member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, where she also performs with the Rhapsodie String Quartet, part of the MSO’s award-winning Heartstrings initiative that brings live music to individuals with disabilities. A native to Madison, Laura is actively involved in the community, performing with many local ensembles including the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Duo Penumbra, and the critically acclaimed Mosaic Chamber Players. She appears regularly at the LunArt Music Festival, the Token Creek Chamber Music Festival and has frequently appeared on the WPR program “Sunday Afternoon Live at the Chazen.” An ardent advocate for music education, Ms. Burns has taught studio violin, chamber music, and conducted orchestras in both public and private education settings. She currently teaches at Edgewood College, serving as string area specialist. Ms. Burns served as president of the Independent String Teachers of Madison and of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in violin performance from UW-Madison, where she studied with David Perry and Tyrone Greive.