Cari-Lynn Wenstrand has been teaching music for about 30 years, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to every lesson. She began studying classical piano and violin at a young age, eventually majoring in violin performance and music education at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. With 25 years of public school orchestra teaching under her belt, she is currently a full-time elementary strings specialist for Lincoln Public Schools and has taught orchestra at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels in both Texas and Nebraska.
Cari-Lynn has pursued extensive teacher training, completing Suzuki Violin Method certification with Marilyn O’Boyle (Pre-Twinkle through Book 4) and O’Connor Method training with Mark O’Connor (Books 1-4). She has also taught at several O’Connor Method camps. Beyond classical instruction, she has spent years exploring non-classical violin styles, including various fiddle techniques and improvisation.
Her teaching style is student-centered, focusing on each student’s unique learning style, abilities, interests, and goals. While she enjoys working with students of all ages, she finds particular joy in laying a strong foundation for beginning string players. Watching her students grow—not just as musicians, but as amazing individuals—is her greatest inspiration.
Teaching was always in Cari-Lynn’s heart, and her love for both music and education led her on an exciting journey with many incredible students. She has helped students succeed in auditions for all-state and honors orchestras and loves preparing them for recitals and performances. Whether teaching classical or non-classical styles, she finds joy in sharing the beauty of the violin with others.
Outside of teaching, Cari-Lynn plays contemporary worship violin on her church’s worship team and orchestra. She occasionally performs for weddings and has been a member of a professional symphony orchestra. She has even competed and won awards in fiddle contests! A fun fact? She’s a devoted dog lover and finds endless inspiration in the wonders of nature.
