Violist Ayn Balija leads a musically rich life performing and teaching throughout the country. She teaches at the University of Virginia and serves as the principal violist of the Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia and violist of the Rivanna String Quartet. Dr. Balija performs solo, chamber, and orchestral works around the country including the Yachats Music Festival, Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus where as a member recorded two CDs of new works under the Summit label. 

Connecting holistically with her students and colleagues is an integral part to Dr. Balija’s teaching philosophy. Dr. Balija created Violapalooza, an annual, all-viola day, featuring guest viola artists including Kim Kashkashian, George Taylor, and Paul Neubauer. In addition to giving masterclasses and recitals, Dr. Balija presented at the American String Teachers Association, American Viola Society’s Viola Festival, International Viola Society’s 44th Congress in Wellington, New Zealand and published on the American Viola Society’s Teacher’s Toolbox page. Dr. Balija holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, The Cleveland Institute of Music and James Madison University.