Caroline Olsen (BMus, MMus, DMA(cand.))

 

Caroline Olsen is a versatile and experienced string performer freelancing in Vancouver as a violist, violinist, vocalist, and educator. A doctoral student in performance studies with Dr. Marina Thibeault at the University of British Columbia, she was awarded the viola chair in the UBC Graduate Resident String Quartet for the 2021-2022 season. Caroline is principal violist of Symphony 21 and has appeared in the violin or viola sections of the Vancouver Island Symphony, Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Niagara Symphony Orchestra, and Berlin New Opera Group, among others. After graduating from McMaster University with Bachelor Honour degrees in both Science and Music, she continued her training during three seasons with the National Academy Orchestra of Canada. Since earning her Master’s on viola at UBC, she has nurtured a specialty for historically-informed performance as part of the Early Music Vancouver Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Program. Previous projects have included studio and live work in folk, jazz, rock, country, and hip hop. As a young violinist, Caroline won the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Grade 8 Silver Medal and achieved Grade 10 accreditation. With Suzuki teacher training, she has taught private music lessons to students of all ages for over a decade and enjoys exploring diverse genres with her students.