Leah Irby

Leah Irby is an active teacher, dancer, musician, and composer. Please visit her website at epicarts.net to listen to recordings and read testimonials.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she relocated to Marin County in 2014. During the school year of 2013-2014, Leah lived in Tamil Nadu, India. She performed, and taught orchestra and private lessons at Kodaikanal International School.

Since 1992, Leah has been teaching private lessons and coaching chamber music for students of the violin, viola, cello and bass. From 1997-2012, she taught choir and orchestra, at various schools in Central Kitsap School District in Silverdale, Washington, from elementary to high school students. Her elementary students were known for their superb intonation and rhythmic sense, right from the very start. Her intense focus, in a patient manner, on fundamentals of left hand position, posture and bow hold; turned out successful and enthusiastic students for 15 continuous years. While teaching the high school orchestra, the students always received the highest ratings at regional contests and festivals. And the students often considered orchestra their home away from home, as Leah used retreats to develop not just musicianship skills, but also a profound sense of positive self-image and teamwork.

In private lessons, she has helped students with trouble reading, to feel successful in reading music and playing an instrument. She has also been able to challenge those gifted students that move at a very fast pace in their learning. She taught many adult students who had played before and some who were taking up the instrument for the first time as retirees.

Here's what a former student has to say:
"Leah's musicianship bears the marks of her extensive study and experience: precision, versatility, emotion, and spontaneity. With this artful blend of soul and solid technique, she is able to both impress and inspire students to become ever better musicians.” -Heather McColl, Viola Student, Regional Solo Contest winner & Washington All-State Orchestra participant