Daniel Sanchez

Dr. Danny Sanchez is a violinist with over 20 years of experience performing in chamber and orchestral ensembles. He is currently a violinist in multiple community orchestras around Seattle, primarily the Solstice Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as a violin coach for Seattle Public Schools where he leads 1st and 2nd violin sectionals for all levels of high school orchestra and provides individual lessons for violinists from a diverse range of backgrounds. Previous musical engagements include the Penn Symphony Orchestra at the University of Pennsylvania, The University of Texas University Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles.

Danny holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, both from The University of Texas at Austin, where he conducted novel research on the nanoscale physics of ultrathin materials. He leverages his expertise in physical science to build a student's intuition of why and how things work when playing their instruments, with topics including vibrations in tuning and resonance, the role of friction in bowing the violin, and the materials science involved in violin construction. In lessons, Danny strives to meet students where they are in their performance capabilities through understanding how each student conceptualizes and describes their own playing and technique. From there, Danny aims to add further detail and nuance to increase their technical capability and playing confidence.