Courtney Chrestensen

Courtney Chrestensen, "Ms. C.",has been involved in music since starting piano lessons at the age of four. She was handed her first violin at Pine Forest Elementary School, and in 5th grade fell in love with the viola's bold sound. With encouragement from her non-musical parents she joyfully progressed through the string orchestra tracks at Pine Forest, LaVilla Middle, and Douglas Anderson High School. Courtney went on to complete her post-secondary education at Jacksonville University, where she secured several scholarships. She worked her way through college by maintaining an active private lesson studio and in 2019 obtained bachelor’s degrees in Viola Performance and Music Education. Following graduation, Courtney established a partnership with the Golden Isles Youth Orchestra in Brunswick, GA as a visiting guest conductor, private lessons instructor, and recently a virtual music instructor. She actively volunteers with the Jacksonville University orchestra and was invited to conduct at their annual Winter Symposium. When she isn’t playing or teaching music, Courtney enjoys reading a good book with her cats.