Justin Lader holds a Master’s Degree in Viola Performance from the University of Oregon and received his Bachelor’s of Music from Oberlin Conservatory. He has a passion for all kinds of music, from classical to electronic, and believes that a musician improves through efficient practice and a strong love for music.
Mr. Lader has performed under Sir Simon Rattle and James Gaffigan in the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra. He has studied with Leslie Straka, Peter Slowik, Karen Ritscher, and Roger Chase. For two years, he played in a flute quartet, which performed in Oregon. Mr. Lader regularly performs throughout the West Coast with Celtic Harper, David Helfand. The duo performs original and traditional music that is influenced by Middle Eastern, Celtic, and Indian styles. Together the duo has released three albums, Through the Portal, From a Distant Time: Inspirations from the Celtic Lands, and After the Rain.
Other collaborative projects include recording and performing with Jake McNeillie on his albums, "Dream Country" and "Delirium: A Southern Gothic Fable," as well as recording with singer-songrwriter Albert Howell, We Have A Ghost, and This Patch of Sky. Additionally, Mr. Lader has done outreach work with CardioStart International, performing live to support the organizations mission to provide free heart surgeries in developing countrie.
Background, professional training and performance history
Justin Lader has been playing viola for over 13 years. As a youth he attended many festivals including the Britt Institute's String Quartet Academy and the Advanced String Quartet Institute at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. He has studied locally with Leslie Straka, as well as with Peter Slowik, Karen Ritscher, and Roger Chase during his studies in viola performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Justin Lader has played under the direction of Sir Simon Rattle and James Gaffigan with the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra. His chamber music performance has involved playing in master classes with the Pacifica, Cavanni, and Takacs string quartets.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
"My teaching style is multi-disciplinary, focusing on identifying and developing various intelligences and abilities in my students. In addition to establishing technical facility, I encourage students to experience chamber music, improvise, and expose themselves to foreign music genres. My strength as a teacher combines patience teamed with an energetic attitude. My ultimate goal is to provide the guidance necessary for students to cultivate their own musical ideas and creativity. I welcome both violin and viola students of all ages and abilities."
Instruments & classes taught
Justin Lader teaches both violin and viola.