I am originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I initiated my violin studies through the Method Jaffe of Strings in 1999, playing in a group setting, much like the one in Clayton's 5th grade class. After a few years of instruction, I became a member of the String Orchestra Acorde para as Cordas of São Paulo, which performed approximately 30 concerts a year. That was such a fun time in my life! My passion for music grew year by year, opening new doors of opportunity. I became a member of the Camerata São Paulo, a professional string ensemble performing classical, jazz, and pop music in a number of different states of Brazil.
In 2004, I became part of the staff with the Jaffe Strings Method in São Paulo, teaching violin, viola, cello, and double bass in a string orchestra setting for over two years.
In 2006, I moved to the United States to study under the Arianna String Quartet. Since then, I have graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in violin performance from the University of Missouri-St Louis, and a Master’s Degree in violin performance and Suzuki Method Certification from Southern Illinois University – SIUE. Upon my graduation from UMSL, I became the Music Director for the Music Immersion Program at the Saint Louis Language Immersion Schools, developing an after school program for their French School. This is my 8th year in the Clayton District, and I am thrilled to work with you this year!!
Teaching is my greatest passion and my daily goal is to inspire my students to dream big and to achieve their fullest potential.
Ms. Mariana WoodHello Clayton Strings!!I am originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I initiated my violin studies through the Method Jaffe of Strings in 1999, playing in a group setting, much like the one in Clayton's 5th grade class. After a few years of instruction, I became a member of the String Orchestra Acorde para as Cordas of São Paulo, which performed approximately 30 concerts a year. That was such a fun time in my life! My passion for music grew year by year, opening new doors of opportunity. I became a member of the Camerata São Paulo, a professional string ensemble performing classical, jazz, and pop music in a number of different states of Brazil.In 2004, I became part of the staff with the Jaffe Strings Method in São Paulo, teaching violin, viola, cello, and double bass in a string orchestra setting for over two years.In 2006, I moved to the United States to study under the Arianna String Quartet. Since then, I have graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in violin performance from the University of Missouri-St Louis, and a Master’s Degree in violin performance and Suzuki Method Certification from Southern Illinois University – SIUE. Upon my graduation from UMSL, I became the Music Director for the Music Immersion Program at the Saint Louis Language Immersion Schools, developing an after school program for their French School. This is my 8th year in the Clayton District, and I am thrilled to work with you this year!!Teaching is my greatest passion and my daily goal is to inspire my students to dream big and to achieve their fullest potential.