Dr. Annie Savage is a professor of music education with a concentration in strings. She is a vibrant performer with a career that spans violin, harp, and voice. She has produced 15 albums, sharing the stage with a diverse body of performers including Aretha Franklin and Ricky Skaggs. Annie studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy (primary instructor, Joan Raeburn Holland), Oberlin Conservatory (primary instructor, Alice Chalifoux), and The Boston Conservatory at the Berklee College of Music (studies with Cynthia Price-Glynn). A conservatory trained musician comfortable in a variety of styles, Annie's students have gone on to study at institutions such as The New School, Interlochen Arts Academy, and The Berklee College of Music. Many of them enjoy successful careers in music performance, education, and business. 

Alongside her performance career, Savage served as an orchestra director for two decades, integrating popular music into her string programs to engage students and support their unique musical interests. Her research focuses on culturally sustaining pedagogy, creativity, learner-centered teaching, and lifelong musicianship. Annie believes there are many valid paths to earning a music education degree and beyond.

Savage's dissertation topic was recently published in String Research Journal. She is developing an online method and text for creative string playing at www.free-strings.com. When she isn't at JMU, Annie enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her band, The Savage Hearts, and serving as a clinician and guest conductor internationally.