Grace Tonning has been playing piano for over 25 years, violin for over 15 years, and has taught violin for more than 10 years. She combines strong technical foundations with musical understanding, creativity, and thoughtful musicianship. Her training includes the Suzuki Method, alongside other original and traditional pedagogical approaches, allowing her to tailor instruction to each student.

Grace’s connection to the violin began early. At the age of five, her grandmother took her and her sister to hear Messiah by George Frideric Handel. After the performance, her grandmother asked which instrument she would like to learn—violin or cello. Grace chose the violin and was told simply that she would be going to meet her future teacher after the concert, who was the concertmaster of the orchestra.

That early experience shaped not only her musicianship, but her understanding of how music is passed on—with care, attention, and respect for the craft. Over time, Grace came to see how music can benefit both those who play and those who listen, offering hope and bringing lasting joy. This belief is at the heart of the Spruce & String approach.

Grace’s goal is to help students become confident, expressive, and independent musicians. In addition to violin instruction, she enjoys coaching music theory and supporting students in basic compositional work, encouraging curiosity and deeper musical thinking.

She actively performs with the local orchestra in the High Desert and participates in a variety of performance opportunities. Grace also brings extensive experience as a collaborative pianist, accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists for concerts, competitions, adjudications, juries, and contemporary works.

Outside of music, Grace works in real estate and enjoys life with her three puppies—bringing balance, care, and intention to both her teaching and daily life.

Grace believes music education should be encouraging, thoughtful, and rooted in steady growth.