Annie Savage began her formal musical education as a 2-year-old Suzuki violinist. Through the by-ear training that the Suzuki method provided, she developed a performance career on violin, harp, and voice that produced 15 albums and included studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy, Oberlin Conservatory, and Boston Conservatory at the Berklee College of Music. 
 
Savage enjoyed 23 years as a public-school orchestra director, successfully integrating popular music into her string programs to engage students culturally and facilitate their unique musical interests. She is a fluent performer and educator of classical, bluegrass, blues, rock, mariachi, and digital music. She researches at the nexus of lifetime musicianship, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and creativity in music. She believes that there are many valid paths to and through a music education degree.
 
Savage’s dissertation topic was recently published in String Research Journal. She serves on the board of the International Bluegrass Music Association and the American String Teachers Association Eclectic Styles Committee. When she isn’t at JMU, she enjoys spending time with family, playing with her band, The Savage Hearts, and serving as a clinician and guest conductor internationally.