Amy Pikler - a native of Glencoe, Illinois, Amy embarked on her musical journey at a young age. She started playing the violin at five, the recorder at eight, and the viola at ten. Currently distinguished as a violist with the San Antonio Philharmonic, Amy has also performed with renowned orchestras, including the Utah Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and Fort Worth Symphony. Amy's dedication to musical excellence is evident through her impressive academic achievements. She earned a BM in Viola Performance with highest honors from the University of Michigan under the mentorship of Professor Yizhak Schotten. Her outstanding accomplishments include being selected as co-principal violist of the University Symphony Orchestra for three years, reaching the finals of the University of Michigan Concerto Competition, and securing second place with her piano quintet in the Dale and Nancy Briggs Chamber Music Competition.  

Beyond her performances, Amy actively demonstrates a strong commitment to musical education. Amy's passion for teaching is evident in her coaching of sectionals at Lanier High School, masterclasses at John Jay High School, and instrument demonstrations at various San Antonio schools.  With over five years of experience in music education, Amy tailors her pedagogical approach to align with each student's unique goals. As a long-term substitute teacher for the orchestra director at Burbank High School, she left a lasting impact on the students she mentored.   Amy's musical lineage includes her father as her teacher, Charles Pikler, who held the esteemed position of principal violist in the Chicago Symphony for many years. Her mother was a public school music teacher and also helped Amy learn. This familial connection serves as a testament to the profound musical legacy that Amy continues to carry forward in her exceptional career, contributing significantly to the cultural vibrancy of the San Antonio musical community.