Our Violin and Viola Teachers

Lauren Huen

In her role as a violin teacher at Inspire Music Academy, Lauren is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment that encourages growth and creativity. With a holistic approach to teaching, she emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental well-being, incorporating warm-up routines and intentional practice techniques into her lessons. Additionally, Lauren believes in cultivating well-rounded musicians by exposing her students to a variety of musical genres and opportunities for ensemble playing. Above all, her goal is to instill a sense of joy and confidence in her students, ensuring that they not only excel in their musical endeavors but also find fulfillment and pride in their accomplishments as violinists.

Now accepting new students for Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings.

Lauren Huen is a passionate violinist hailing from the vibrant Bay Area, where she has immersed herself in music for over 13 years. Her musical journey has taken her across the United States and Japan, performing in a diverse array of ensembles, from classical string quartets to experimental heavy metal orchestras. A graduate of the University of the Pacific, Lauren holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Health, Exercise, and Sports Science. Under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as Nancy Mitchell, Ann Miller, Igor Veligan, and Jennifer Cho, she has developed a deep understanding of both the artistry and physicality of music.

Pooja Shah

Pooja believes that musical education goes beyond technical mastery of an instrument. For her students, it is also a journey of self-discovery and creative expression. When teaching, Pooja aspires to empower her students with the realization that they possess the innate ability to craft something beautiful and significant. She believes the language of music can serve as a bridge to connect, ignite inspiration, and foster self-confidence. Pooja's goal is to provide a nurturing environment, where her students are free to recognize the potential within themselves to create art, enriching their lives and those around them.

Starting violin at age four and piano at age seven, music has always been a big part of Pooja Shah’s life, from being a member of the San Jose Youth Symphony to performing at Carnegie Hall. Pooja’s experience includes performing in chamber ensembles, orchestras, and symphonies, as well as contributing to the production of two short films. In her off-hours you can find Pooja making music with friends, composing new pieces, or playing classical music scores from her favorite films.

An alum of the Certificate of Merit Program, in addition to her music experience, Pooja holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Science from UC Berkeley.