Frederick Talent Education – The Violin Studio of Carol Havelka
Learning the violin isn’t just another activity—it’s a journey that takes time, attention, and a real commitment from the whole family. When music becomes a priority, amazing things can happen. If you’re ready to make space for musical growth and support your child (or yourself!) through this rewarding process, I’d love to welcome you to the studio. Let’s get started!
Carol Havelka is the heart and mind behind Frederick Talent Education, a private violin studio rooted in excellence, tradition, and personal connection. With decades of teaching and performing experience in New York City, Washington D.C., and now Maryland, Carol brings a deep knowledge of both the Suzuki Method and traditional violin training to her students.
Known for her thoughtful structure and nurturing yet no-nonsense approach, Carol guides young musicians with a steady hand and an open heart. Her teaching blends rigorous technique with soulful artistry — cultivating not just capable violinists, but curious learners and resilient individuals. She believes in the power of long-term commitment, consistent practice, and the unique bond between teacher, parent, and student.
Carol’s background includes advanced violin study with internationally renowned mentors including David Nadien, Carroll Glenn, Ruggiero Ricci, Robert Gerle and Samuel Kissel. As a freelance symphonic violinist, Carol has performed extensively throughout New York City, Washington, D.C., and Greensboro, NC. Her orchestral affiliations included:
- Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra (under Lukas Foss & Dennis Russell Davies)
- White Plains Symphony (under Kenneth Schermerhorn)
- Eastern Philharmonic Orchestra (under Shelley Morganstern), where she also served on the violin and chamber music faculty at the Eastern Music Festival
Her performance career encompassed a wide range of venues and genres—including concert, opera, ballet, and musical theater—appearing at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Broadway Productions, Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, and PBS.
Carol earned her Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Carroll Glenn and completed graduate coursework in Music Education at the University of Maryland, where she worked with Gerald Fischbach.
She received her comprehensive Suzuki training through the esteemed two-year teacher certification course at The School for Strings in New York City, studying with Louise Behrend. Additional Suzuki instruction included training with Ronda Cole, Terry Durbin, David Strom, and Shu-Yi Scott. She is a member of several professional groups including The Suzuki Association of the Americas, The Suzuki Association of Greater Washington, American String Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association.
While Carol took a creative sabbatical from the music world to explore work in IT/web development, and visual media, in 2023 Ms. Havelka returned to her true calling—sharing the joy of music through violin education. With decades of experience as both a performer and educator, she remains passionately committed to inspiring young musicians through expert instruction, encouragement, and a love of lifelong learning.
Outside the studio, Carol is an animal lover, avid cook, and nature and history enthusiast. She shares her days with her husband, a rescued Pomeranian named Harvey, a stately calico cat named Miss Kitty, and a beloved Dutch Warmblood tobiano pinto horse named Vince.