Welcome to An Octave Higher. An Octave Higher, LLC in Northern Nevada, provides violin music of many genres for occasions including weddings, receptions, memorial services, worship services, special events, assisted living, memory care, corporate events and much more. I am passionate about making your event memorable and special.

Playing violin in Northern Nevada including Lake Tahoe, Reno, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Dayton and Northern California.  Travel to states outside of Northern Nevada can be arranged.

Services

Holiday Parties, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, Mother's Day, Birthday, Anniversary 

Demonstrations for Education in Libraries and Schools

 Weddings, Wedding Receptions, Bridal Showers/Parties, Rehearsal Dinners

Corporate Events, Fundraisers 

Assisted Living and Memory Care

Music wellness has been shown to be particularly effective in those dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.  Live music stimulates mental and physical function, maximizing overall health.  Music decreases pain and discomfort, reduces loneliness and isolation and provides social support. It comforts patients and creates a soothing environment. Assisted living and memory care includes interaction with residents and a custom program for each occasion.  For example, if a program is for Valentine's Day and old-time love songs are requested, an interactive talk with those in attendance can include history of the songs and a sing along.  

Each year I attend the Sing! Getty Conference for Worship Leaders, Pastors and Musicians.  This is a continuing education in worship music both in contemporary worship and liturgical styles of worship. 

I currently serve as a Christian worship musician locally as I have done for the past 40 years. And, traveling to play for special occasions of all types.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Management, now retired but violin playing was always my side hustle to my career. Since retiring, I'm loving what used to be my side hustle which has now turned into my encore career as a violinist.

                                                                                                      FAQ

Will you travel to locations outside of Northern Nevada?

Yes, I often travel to other states.  Additional charges may be required for travel and mileage but this can be discussed at the time of booking.

Do you have piano, orchestral accompaniment?

Yes, accompaniment is played through my sound equipment.  Accompaniment includes piano, organ, quartet, orchestral, guitar which all are specific to each tune and enhance the total sound quality complimenting the violin solo.

Do you play as a hired part of a band or orchestra?

Yes, often a band, orchestra or vocal is in need of filling a violin part.  With adequate notice and written music provided I can often fill violin parts for a variety of occasions such as worship services, Christmas services, memorial services, etc.

What genres of music do you play?

Genres include:  Classical, Celtic, Movie/Film, Country, Christian, Italian, Latin and more.  Please contact me for suggestions of songs best suited for your specific occasion and lists of songs in each genre.

How many years of experience do you have?

Over 40 years experience including a variety of symphonies, chamber groups, contemporary Christian worship, traditional Christian worship, orchestra pit for musicals and more.

Which venues do you play violin?

The venues are a wide range in variety and include the Peppermill Reno, Lake Tahoe locations popular for weddings, Tennenbaum Reno at Mt. Rose, Elks Lodges, private residences/properties, asssited living and memory care homes, cafes/dining rooms and many places of worship/churches just to name a few.

Contact:

For questions or to get started, fill out the contact form and I'll get back to you shortly.

Comment:  I have played organ/piano as an accompanist for Debra since approximately 1976 and she has always been dependable, rehearsed and ready for each service, ceremony or occasion we have performed for.  She and I have played for hundreds of events such as worship services, weddings, special occasions, assisted living homes, memorial services and the like.  She provided educational demonstrations about the violin for my elementary school classrooms during the 1980s and 1990s.  Her violin playing always adds a special touch to each event.  "J.M.L."

Joe Lovero:  I have known Debra for many years now and have had the pleasure of working with her as part of our Worship Band at The Church at Sun Valley in Buckeye, AZ where I am the bass player for our group. Debra always came prepared for rehearsals and services and was an absolute pleasure to work with. We appreciate her great talent and the beautiful dimension that her violin playing added to our music. 


Mac Fodder:  My bride requested a change in a song choice for our wedding just a day before our ceremony. Debra was able to find the music and make an arrangement for violin with the recorded accompaniment in time for our big day. We appreciated the extra effort and time it took for Debra to make this happen. Our guests made many comments on what a beautiful addition it is to have a live violinist as part of the ceremony. 

P. M.  Since 2018, Debra's violin playing has been such an integral part of our worship team enhancing our worship music ministry and overall church service experience both prelude and with the praise band, it is so appreciated. 


K. Nabeem With only five days until our wedding ceremony, I contacted Debra and she worked with us during our rehearsal to choose songs for our ceremony. She played both the prelude and reception as well traveling a distance to attend the rehearsal the evening prior to our ceremony.  My grandmother requested a song at the reception and Debra honored that request on the spur of the moment bringing joy to all of us.

 

Location

An Octave Higher, LLC
Northern Nevada, USA