Mary Garrahan grew up in Prince William County and developed a love of orchestra music under the baton of Bill Criswell at Osbourn Park High School. She began formal piano lessons with Tui Heekin around age eight, eventually earning the High School Diploma through the National Guild of Piano Teachers. She attended the University of Mary Washington, earning a B.A. in Music. Mary studied piano with Dr. Martha Fickett and spent two summers taking lessons with Edward Newman. During her senior year, she had the privilege of performing with the Mary Washington College-Community Symphony as a piano soloist.

Mary Garrahan joined the Manassas Symphony as a violinist in 2000. As the symphony grew and the opportunity was presented, she began to play more piano and celesta parts and to experience the orchestra from a percussionist’s point of view. Her favorite Manassas Symphony performances as a pianist include Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Copland’s Clarinet Concerto with soloist Jon Manasse.

Various other musical experiences of her life have included teaching strings classes and playing with the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra. Her violin teachers included Melinda Cavis and Leo Sushansky. Mary also studied organ for five years with Becky Verner through a scholarship given by Manassas Baptist Church.

Mary is an experienced private teacher of piano and violin who enjoys working with all ages and levels. She is an active member of the Rappahannock Music Society, which gives her students opportunities through the Virginia and National Federations of Music Clubs. She currently teaches privately at the Creative Music Academy and also serves as a pianist, organist, and handbell choir director for Fairview Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Mary would like to thank Creative Music Academy for providing the space for Sarah and her to practice together. She would also like to thank the Manassas Symphony for this opportunity and for the years of having a great orchestra to call home.