In this episode of On Key, we sit down with Grace Johnston—an accomplished violin and viola teacher, freelance musician, and mentor based in Northern Colorado. With over a dozen years of teaching experience and a passion for helping students succeed, Grace brings a wealth of insight to our conversation.
We dive deep into topics that every musician and music educator can relate to, including:- How musicians can recognize, navigate, and recover from burnout.- Tips for students choosing the right teacher when pursuing music in higher education.- Staying inspired as both a musician and a teacher while balancing multiple roles.
Grace also shares her personal journey, the lessons she learned from her incredible mentors like Angele Lawless and Dr. Jubal Fulks, and her approach to fostering a lifelong love for music in her students. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or music enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.
Key Topics in This Episode:- Grace’s journey in music and her teaching philosophy.- How to avoid and recover from burnout as a musician.- What to look for in a teacher when pursuing music in higher education.- Finding balance and staying motivated in a demanding career.

About Our Guest:Grace Johnston is a violin and viola teacher based in Northern Colorado. She is Suzuki-certified and specializes in helping students develop strong technique and posture, particularly for those aiming to pursue music at a collegiate level. Her students have achieved incredible milestones, including studying abroad, earning principal positions in youth orchestras, and being recruited for prestigious undergraduate programs.
In addition to her teaching, Grace is a freelance musician who performs regularly with symphonies in Northern Colorado and Wyoming. You can connect with her on Instagram at @jotemdownstringstudio.

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