Amelia Riley Thornton Sears is a violin and viola instructor, performer and recording artist. Based out of Missoula MT, she enjoys a vibrant career as a multi-genre musician, specializing in classical, Americana folk, jazz, and rock violin and viola. She earned her Bachelor of Music Business degree at the University of Puget Sound in 2010, and her Master of Music in Violin Performance from Ohio University in 2014. An active member of the western Montana arts community, Amelia provides private instruction through her Artwork Strings Music Studio and has served as an adjudicator for the Missoula County Public Schools’ District Music Festival. She currently performs with the John Floridis ensemble and has performed with the Glacier Symphony, Missoula Symphony, Bozeman Symphony, Helena Symphony, River Cities Symphony and Ohio Valley Symphony and performs annually with Festival Amadeus where she serves as the viola instructor for Camp Festival Amadeus. In addition to her performance career, Amelia has served in managerial roles within non-profit arts organizations, including a 10-year position as Production Manager with the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival. She is proud to have held internships and seasonal positions with The Royal Academy of Art in London, San Francisco Ballet School’s Summer Academy and the Tacoma Philharmonic. Amelia looks forward to expanding her studio into the Bitterroot Valley where she resides with her fiancé and pianist, Adam Sears, and their lovely little dog, Bowie.