About
Our Studio
Philip Oja is an accomplished concert violinist and experienced teacher who has been teaching professionally for over 15 years. He is recognized for his work with aspiring young musicians, many of whom have won awards and earned placement in competitive youth symphonies, ensembles, and music conservatories.
As a performer, Mr. Oja has held positions with symphony orchestras across the country, including the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, and many others. He has appeared frequently in public concerts and events as both a soloist and chamber musician. He has also performed in public master classes for renowned quartets such as the Tokyo String Quartet, Juilliard String Quartet, Belcea String Quartet, Pacifica String Quartet, and Miro String Quartet. As an educator, he has served as Vice President of the Durham Music Teachers Association (an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association) and has taught at music festivals and workshops throughout the U.S.
Mr. Oja received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Violin Performance from the Irvine S. Gilmore School of Music and the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts. His principal teachers included Jacob Robbins, Bruce Smith, and Hal Grossman—acclaimed students of Paul Makanowitzky, Mischa Mischakoff, Dorothy DeLay, and Erick Friedman.
Mr. Oja’s teaching approach is shaped by the pedagogical traditions of Ivan Galamian, Shinichi Suzuki, Paul Rolland, and Jascha Heifetz. Each student’s instruction is tailored to their individual strengths and learning style, with an emphasis on performance as a key element of growth. His students participate in multiple performances each year, including formal recitals, festivals, and community concerts.
Philip Oja has taught for over 15 years across the country. His students have won various awards, held concertmaster positions in their school orchestras, and have been accepted into competitive youth symphonies, including Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, New England Conservatory Prep Ensembles, Duke String Orchestra, and Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Former students have also gone on to study at music conservatories.
Mr. Oja's private students play at least 5 solo performances each year, in formal in-person recitals, virtual recitals, community concerts, and competitions. Ensemble playing is also emphasized in the Oja Violin Studio. Mr. Oja's private students are paired to play in violin duet or larger emsembles. Ensemble playing is encouraged to all levels of students.
"...an extraordinary gifted teacher and musician..." - Lin
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"He has a real gift for putting young children at ease, and finding how to draw out their best abilities..." - Holly
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"...patient and imaginative..." - Linda
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"He really knew how to speak on her level and his instruction was very positive and motivating..."- Kennadi
Cedric L.
Congratulations to Cedric L., who was recently selected to participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Eastern Junior Festival and also completed the final level of the American String Teachers Association Certificate Advancement Program with high marks!
Sarah K.
Congratulations to Sarah K. for being named The Concertmaster of Belmont Winthrop L. Chenery Symphony Orchestra!
Evelyn K.
Congrats to Evelyn K. on her acceptance into Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO)’s Petit Ensemble!
Ellen L.
Congratulations to Ellen L. for winning Gold Medal at DMTA Festival, and for being named the Concertmaster of Ligon Middle School Symphony Orchestra!
Kaiya C.
Congratulations to Kaiya C. for being accepted into Duke String Orchestra!
“Philip is an amazing violin teacher! He gave my daughter her first violin lesson four years ago when she was 8 and we haven’t looked back. My daughter’s ability and skill are growing by leaps and bounds under his teaching. Philip was incredibly patient and attentive with my daughter when she was very young. He demonstrated an innate ability to work with small children and his teaching technique changed over time as my daughter matured. Philip expertly tailors lessons to improve my daughter’s weaknesses and refine her strengths. Philip also consistently demonstrates that he genuinely cares about his students and their progress. He really went above and beyond when my daughter was auditioning for the city orchestra. He taught my daughter extra lessons every day leading up to the event to ensure she was ready and able to perform. Philip has been amazing at teaching my daughter, she has grown incredibly under his teaching. I definitely highly recommend him as a violin teacher!”
Raina C.
