Everywhere we go, there is music.

Every musician has a musical journey, and every instrument tells a story.  

At the beginning you will struggle through the challenges of learning technique and finger placement to make screeching strings turn into the simplest songs. Eventually you will look back and realize that your musical journey has weaved its way into all the moments of your life to become part of who you are.

Day Violins is a small family-owned business that has watched thousands of students, including our own children, discover music.  Will you allow us to be part of your story?  

Day Violins is honored to be part of your musical journey.

In 1994, two young fresh-faced kids fell in love, Jenna and Jason Day of Day Violins.  The next thirteen years brought college degrees, a variety of job experiences, moves and many changes including four little maestro’s of their very own.  And then one fateful day in June they decided to start Day Violins as a family-owned and operated premiere string shop in Northern Virginia.  

Who better to serve budding beginner or long-time accomplished musicians than a family that intimately knows that world?

MEET JASON DAY

There are three great passions in Jason’s life. His family, his violin, and football. Jason was born into a family of professional musicians who had a violin in his hands by age 4. A naturally talented musician he played all through his school years, participated in youth symphonic groups such as the American Youth Philharmonic while simultaneously proving himself on the football field with two state championships during high school.

Jason decided to make music his profession and headed off to college to earn his degree in Music Performance. After college, he decided to pursue his Suzuki Method training and turned to music education, teaching in the private sector and school systems for 25 years.

“Talent is universal, opportunity is not.” 

MEET JENNA DAY

Jenna also grew up in a musical family. Singing, playing instruments of all sorts, and dance parties were a regular part of her childhood. As an accomplished pianist, Jenna used her talents to accompany many students in recitals and performances, including her high school choir. Despite her love of the arts, Jenna’s educational path led her to social work and advocacy.

Jenna’s work with underprivileged populations has led Day Violins to work toward every child being able to afford the an opportunity to have music in their lives. She fulfills that with music advocacy and is a strong supporter of Instruments in the Attic which delivers refurbished instruments to children around the world. She serves on the Board of DC Strings Workshop, which provides music to neighborhoods in the Washington DC area that might not normally have access to concerts and lessons.

Welcome to Day Violins

Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

We are a company that demonstrates a deep passion for music, advocates for musical education and provides the highest quality of customer service.  As a strong family-owned community-minded small business, you can count on Day Violins to help every child follow their musical journey and provide the tools and services that will bring the joy of music into their lives.  

staff

Megan Richardson Day Violins

Megan
Richardson

Lesson Program Coordinator

4

ann
levy

Finance Manager

Craig Roberts Day Violins

Craig
Roberts

Warehouse Manager

Jeremy Yoder

Jeremy Yoder

Luthier

Day Violins Staff pics (3)

Paul Rodriuez

Bow Technician

Luthiers

Private Instructors

Bass | Cello

Aaron Mynes

Aaron Mynes is a string specialist with Fairfax County Public Schools, currently in his twenty-first year as Director of Orchestras at Chantilly High School. Under his direction, the orchestra program grew from one orchestra of 38 students to 144 students in four orchestras. The Chantilly High School Orchestras regularly receive superior ratings at VBODA District XII Orchestra Festival, and superior ratings and first place honors at competitive festivals.

aaron m
7
flute

charlotte day

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charlotte Day on June 30, 2022 at the age of 76.  Charlotte, the mother of Day Violins owner, Jason Day, was a beloved member of our teaching staff for many years and will be greatly missed by all. As Charlotte would say to her students, “Now go and practice!”

Charlotte Day held a Bachelor of Arts degree in Flute Performance from the University of California Santa Barbara, and completed a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance from Northwestern University. She was a member of the Santa Barbara and Utah Symphonies, and was a contract performer in the Washington D.C. area. Charlotte was a certified teacher of the Suzuki Flute Method and was trained by Toshio Takahashi, the creator of the repertoire.

violin

cindy
crumb

A graduate of Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax County, Cynthia (Cindy) Crumb received her Bachelor of Music Education with a violin concentration from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and her Master of Music in Performance and Literature on violin from the University of Notre Dame.

Cindy Crumb
3
Cello

Crystal Williams

Crystal has been teaching for five years in the Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William County area. She has taught both privately, and in the Franklin Summer Strings Camp. 

 

Cello | VIOLA

DebORAH
Brudvig

Deborah Milan Brudvig studied Cello Performance at the University of Michigan, received a B. Mus. in Cello Performance from Boston University and a M. Mus. in Cello Performance from the University of Maryland. 

She has served as principal cellist for the Washington Concert Opera as well as principal and section cellist for orchestras at the National Cathedral, Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap.

Deborah
violin

JASON
DAY

Jason Day is an accomplished musician, instructor, and orchestra leader.

He began playing the violin at age of four and was immediately recognized as a gifted musician.  As his skills developed, Jason became a member of the American Youth Philharmonic and was a National Symphony Youth Fellow. His talent recognized, Jason began studying under private instruction with Peter Haase and William Haroutounian, both of the National Symphony.

Jason Day
VIOLIN | VIOLA

JENNIFER
HIMES

Jennifer Himes has an active freelance and teaching career in metropolitan Washington,  D.C., where she performs with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Kennedy Center  Opera House Orchestra, the Wolf Trap Opera Orchestra, and the Maryland Lyric Opera  

Orchestra. She has performed for the inaugurations of four Presidents and performers  such as Justin Bieber, Andrea Bocelli, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder,  Miranda Lambert, and many more. Her television credits include Christmas in  Washington, Celebration at Ford’s Theatre, and Garth Brooks: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize on PBS

 

12
Day Violins Staff pics (4)
Viola | Violin

JR
Jeerakul

Nathi “JR” Jeerakul, a Northern Virginia native, has taught private viola and violin lessons in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area since 2014. JR recently graduated from George Mason University (GMU) with a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Music Education and a minor in String Pedagogy. Prior to that, JR earned an Associates of Applied Arts in Music as well as an Associates of Science in General Studies from Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC).  He has studied viola with Philippe Chao and pedagogy with Professor June Huang. During his time at GMU, JR held the offices of President and Vice President of the school’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). He was also an avid performer with the Mason Symphony Orchestra, Mason Opera, and the Chamber Music Program.

Viola | Violin | Piano

Matthew Gattuso

Matthew Gattuso, a Northern VA performer and teacher, works as a freelance musician and performs on viola , violin and piano in a variety of opportunities.  He is the Principal Second Violin with the Piedmont Symphony orchestra, has performed with the National String Symphonia and Reston Chorale, the acting violist for theAtoka String Quartet, worked with St. Charles String Quartet, Mason Music Productions, and as a chamber musician for weddings and events.

Matthew G
Shaun Jerek
Bass

Shaun
Jurek

Shaun Jurek is a professional upright bass player and music educator. He graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition. Since then he has been performing professionally and teaching throughout the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. area.

Viola

Steven
Day

Steven is a graduate of Brigham Young University in viola performance. He is a retired member of the United States Army Orchestra where he served as principal violist and group leader. He has been the principal violist of the Amadeus Orchestra and currently is a member of the Virginia Chamber Orchestra.

Steven Day

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aaron m

AARON
MYNES

Aaron Mynes is a string specialist with Fairfax County Public Schools, currently in his twenty-first year as Director of Orchestras at Chantilly High School. Under his direction, the orchestra program grew from one orchestra of 38 students to 144 students in four orchestras. The Chantilly High School Orchestras regularly receive superior ratings at VBODA District XII Orchestra Festival, and superior ratings and first place honors at competitive festivals.

 Mr. Mynes graduated as a National Merit Scholar from Governor Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. At Eastman, Mr. Mynes studied stringed instrument education under Dr. Louis Bergonzi and the double bass with James Van Demark. Mr. Mynes continued his double bass studies at Duquesne University with Jeffrey Turner, principal double bassist of the Pittsburgh Symphony. 

CHARLOTTE
DAY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charlotte Day on June 30, 2022 at the age of 76. Charlotte, the mother of Day Violins owner, Jason Day, was a beloved member of our teaching staff for many years and will be greatly missed by all. As Charlotte would say to her students, “Now go and practice!”

Charlotte Day held a Bachelor of Arts degree in Flute Performance from the University of California Santa Barbara, and completed a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance from Northwestern University.  She was a member of the Santa Barbara and Utah Symphonies, and was a contract performer in the Washington D.C. area.   Charlotte was a certified teacher of the Suzuki Flute Method and was trained by Toshio Takahashi, the creator of the repertoire.  

 

Charlotte taught with great success in the Washington D.C. area for more than 30 years and has had the honor of having her students chosen to play in District Bands, Regional orchestras, All-State Orchestras, All-State Bands, and the National Symphony Youth Fellowship Program.

Cindy Crumb

Cindy
crumb

A graduate of Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax County, Cynthia (Cindy) Crumb received her Bachelor of Music Education with a violin concentration from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and her Master of Music in Performance and Literature on violin from the University of Notre Dame. She played for two years in the Nashville Symphony prior to returning to the Northern Virginia area.

Ms. Crumb taught in the Prince William County Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools since 1985. She retired in July 2014 as Director of Orchestras at Fairfax High School for 25 years. She has played in the Fairfax Symphony since 1984 and has served as its personnel manager since 2000. She is an adjunct faculty member at Catholic University where she teaches String Techniques for Music Education Majors. Ms. Crumb is in demand as an adjudicator, freelances in the metropolitan area work part-time at Day Violins in Chantilly, substitutes teaches in Fairfax County, and maintains a small teaching studio out of her home. Ms. Crumb resides in Fairfax, Virginia with her husband, Aaron Clay.

Crystal
Williams

Crystal has been teaching for five years in the Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William County area. She has taught both privately, and in the Franklin Summer Strings Camp. 

In high school, she was principal cellist in District 11 Honors Orchestra, as well as the recipient of the Instrumental Medallion, presented to her by the music department of Centreville High School. 

Crystal’s orchestral experience includes playing with the Capitol Youth Orchestra, The Fairfax Youth Orchestra, The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, and the Manassas Symphony Orchestra.

Deborah

Deborah
Brudvig

Deborah Milan Brudvig studied Cello Performance at the University of Michigan, received a B. Mus. in Cello Performance from Boston University and a M. Mus. in Cello Performance from the University of Maryland. 

She has served as principal cellist for the Washington Concert Opera as well as principal and section cellist for orchestras at the National Cathedral, Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. Deborah has also performed in chamber concerts at The Smithsonian, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Phillips Collection. She has played in pit orchestras for Ford’s Theatre, the Shakespeare Theatre, Signature Theatre and National Theatre. Deborah performed for Arena Stage in 17 productions over 25 years. 

Deborah has written and published a book, 40 Etudes in the First Position for the Intermediate Cellist. Her main musical focus now is teaching.In addition to teaching at Day Violins, Deborah is currently an Adjunct Instructor of Music at the Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria and a faculty member at the Washington Conservatory of Music.

Jason Day

jason
Day

Jason Day is an accomplished musician, instructor, and orchestra leader.

He began playing the violin at age of four and was immediately recognized as a gifted musician.  As his skills developed, Jason became a member of the American Youth Philharmonic and was a National Symphony Youth Fellow. His talent recognized, Jason began studying under private instruction with Peter Haase and William Haroutounian, both of the National Symphony.

After high school, Jason continued his music studies at Kent State University with nationally recognized violinist, Marcia Ferritto.  He won numerous solo competitions and graduated from Kent State University with a Violin Performance degree.  After graduating, he completed his Suzuki Teacher training with Rhonda Cole.

Jason is actively involved in the Washington D.C. area music teaching community.  He served as the Assistant Principal Second in the Fairfax Symphony for several years.  He played in the Alexandria Symphony, McLean Symphony and the Washington Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and has performed at both the Kennedy Center and the White House.

Jason worked as the Orchestra Director in the Fairfax County School system then joined Flint Hill Private School in Oakton, Virginia, and spent 14 years as the middle and upper school Orchestra Director. He was an Orchestra Instructor at the Franklin Music Camp, and has consistently maintained a private studio of over 30 students.  He left his position at Flint Hill in mid-2015 so that he could devote himself full-time to Day Violins.

Jason comes from a musical family.  His father, a violist, played in the United States Army Strings for 30 years and currently teaches violin and viola in a private studio.  His mother played flute in the Utah Symphony for many years, and also maintains a private flute studio.  His two sisters, a cellist and a flutist, teach orchestra and band in Fairfax County and are also private instructors.  They are all members of the Day Family Chamber Players, a highly sought-after chamber group that performs on a regular basis in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

Jason Day is the father of four children, all musicians.  His wife, Jenna, is also active in musical endeavors. Jason is passionate about his work.  His character and integrity have earned him respect among his peers and fellow professionals.  His reputation for providing quality instruments to the schools has made an impact on teachers and students alike.  Teachers from all over Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington Counties recommend Day Violins to their students.

A recent highlight to Jason’s career was being asked to play a 1709 Stradivarius in a private concert.  To a violinist, this instrument represents the highest standard of quality and perfection.  Jason was impressed with the reverence this instrument commanded as a rare and valuable piece of musical history.  This unique experience has strengthened Jason’s desire to pursue his musical passions, both in performing and providing services to the community through Day Violins.

Jennifer
himes

Jennifer Himes has an active freelance and teaching career in metropolitan Washington,  D.C., where she performs with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Kennedy Center  Opera House Orchestra, the Wolf Trap Opera Orchestra, and the Maryland Lyric Opera  

Orchestra. She has performed for the inaugurations of four Presidents and performers  such as Justin Bieber, Andrea Bocelli, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder,  Miranda Lambert, and many more. Her television credits include Christmas in  Washington, Celebration at Ford’s Theatre, and Garth Brooks: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize on PBS

Ms. Himes retired from Fairfax County Public Schools as an educational specialist in the  fine arts office. She managed the summer arts enrichment programs, Institute for the  Arts, and Elementary Institute for the Arts. She also administered the annual fourth-grade field trip to the Kennedy Center for the National Symphony Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts and many K-12 cross-curricular projects for fine arts. Ms. Himes began her career teaching elementary strings. 

Ms. Himes received a Bachelor of Music in violin performance from the University of  Kansas, a Diploma of Merit from the University of London, National Centre for Orchestra  Studies, and a Master of Arts in arts management from the American University.  In her spare time, Ms. Himes volunteers for community and animal rescue organizations, and she loves to travel. She lives with two foster cats, Pounce and  Darryl.

JR
jeerkul

Nathi “JR” Jeerakul, a Northern Virginia native, has taught private viola and violin lessons in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area since 2014. JR recently graduated from George Mason University (GMU) with a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Music Education and a minor in String Pedagogy. Prior to that, JR earned an Associates of Applied Arts in Music as well as an Associates of Science in General Studies from Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC).  He has studied viola with Philippe Chao and pedagogy with Professor June Huang. During his time at GMU, JR held the offices of President and Vice President of the school’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). He was also an avid performer with the Mason Symphony Orchestra, Mason Opera, and the Chamber Music Program.


Professionally, JR is the Orchestra Director at Edison High School as well as the lead Strings Specialist at Forestdale Elementary School. Prior to his current position, he was in high demand as a substitute classroom teacher and has worked with a variety of students in Fairfax County Public Schools. As a substitute teacher, he taught all grade levels and different fields of music such as strings, band, music composition and technology, piano, guitar, and general music. Teachers often relied on him to organize spring trips, lead students through clinics, rehearse students in preparation for performances, and direct students in concerts. In addition, he maintains an active roster of students at Day Violins. His teaching style can be best described as having high standards and persistence, while being relaxed and patient. His philosophy centers around student rapport, connection, and understanding.


JR is highly sought after as a sectional coach for violin and viola and has been involved with several string education projects with Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Manassas Park City Schools. He also works as a viola, violin, and chamber coach with local summer camps, like Franklin Band and Strings and Mason Community Arts Academy. JR performs on viola and violin with local symphonies and chamber groups. When he is not practicing or working, JR can be found among friends and colleagues or enjoying good food.

Matthew G

matthew
Gattuso

Matthew Gattuso, a Northern VA performer and teacher, works as a freelance musician and performs on viola , violin and piano in a variety of opportunities.  He is the Principal Second Violin with the Piedmont Symphony orchestra, has performed with the National String Symphonia, Reston Chorale, Washington Young Symphonia, Kennedy String Quartet, and as a chamber musician for various weddings and events. 

Matthew received his BA in music from the College of William and Mary with concentrations in piano performance and composition.  He completed a full-length piano and composition recital in the spring of 2011.  

Mr. Gattuso began teaching strings privately in the Fall of 2012 and was a founding member of the Crossroads Youth Orchestra in Culpeper, VA as well as acting assistant conductor for the inaugural season.  In December of 2015, he completed his Masters in Strings Pedagogy from George Mason University.  

Mr. Gattuso would like to share the following words about his teaching philosophy:

Healing, Power, and Compassion through music:

I believe in the power of sound.  The journey of learning an instrument is a singular process.  It merges many skills, mental, physical and emotional.  It provides an opportunity for self discovery and to ask questions about what is meaningful to us. In performance, there is the privilege to express that which inspires, moves, and sustains us.  Not all of those things have words, but they all have sound. 

In sharing music we give something of ourself to others.  That process is healing.  It is restorative.  It binds us with the melody and harmony of community.  The pulse of our lives becomes more synchronized when we can recognize and reflect on what we all share as humans.  That sharing is beautiful and inspires compassion.  

In the initial stages of learning, it is necessary to spend large quantities of time in teaching and in practice on physical posture and technique.  The practicing of physical motions, hand eye coordination, mental preparation and problem solving challenge us and make us more critical thinkers.  

 

These things are the foundations that allow us to then freely express music.  That music then empowers self confidence and the esteem of knowing you have created something that is truly yours.  When we choose to share that with others it transcends boundaries of mine or yours, and becomes “ours”, an expression of our collective humanity.  That music which we share honestly and with humility truly is the gift that keeps on giving. 

Shaun Jerek

Shaun
Jurek

Shaun Jurek is a professional upright bass player and music educator.  He graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition.  Since then he has been performing professionally and teaching throughout the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. area.  

He has fifteen years teaching experience including ten years as an adjunct professor of music at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland. Shaun loves teaching and sharing his love of music and the bass with his students!

Steven Day

STEven
DAY

Steven is a graduate of Brigham Young University in viola performance. He is a retired member of the United States Army Orchestra where he served as principal violist and group leader. He has been the principal violist of the Amadeus Orchestra and currently is a member of the Virginia Chamber Orchestra.  

Steven currently teaches viola and violin in the Alexandria area and is a member of the Day Family Chamber Players.

Welcome new parents!

Welcome new parents

Welcome to the wonderful world of string instruments! As a brand new parent, you probably have a lot of questions!  We want you to walk away from this experience knowing that you have the right instrument and accessories to help your student succeed.

Rest assured that Day Violins has the highest quality of customer service and a generous referral credit rental program for upgrading your instrument as your child grows and improves in their musical abilities.  

We are so excited to take this journey with you.  

With that in mind, we know that some of the most pressing questions for our beginning parents are:

Rest assured that Day Violins has the highest quality of customer service and a generous referral credit rental program for upgrading your instrument as your child grows and improves in their musical abilities.  

We are so excited to take this journey with you.