Marnie Thies
Suzuki Violin Instructor
St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
About Marnie Thies
Marnie Thies is a professional Suzuki violin instructor based in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is the founder of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons and has been teaching since 2004. She holds a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her principal teachers include Dr. Ilya Kaler, Joseph Genualdi, Vartan Manoogian, and Mary West.
Marnie is Suzuki Teacher Trained in all ten books and completed 15 summers of teacher training at the Suzuki Institute in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She has also taken supplementary courses focused on tone, technique, and musical development.
Her teaching covers beginner to advanced levels. She works with students as young as five and also teaches adults. Marnie offers in-person lessons in Falcon Heights and North Oaks, as well as online instruction. Her students have gone on to join groups like the Minnesota Youth Symphonies and the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies.
Marnie focuses on foundational technique, note reading, vibrato, bowing, and musical expression. She teaches students to read music and play by ear. Her lessons are tailored to each student’s learning pace and goals. She uses a combination of scale work, etudes, sight-reading, and practice recordings.
She has experience with both private and group instruction and previously taught at Hamline Preparatory School of Music and MacPhail Center for Music. Marnie also adjudicated for the National Federation of Music Clubs Competition.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Education
Media
Press
Expert and owner of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, Marnie Thies, Discusses Tips on how to Progress one
Read the full article ›Marnie Thies from Marnie Thies Violin Lessons Breaks Down the Structure of Beginner Violin Lessons
Read the full article ›Expert, Marnie Thies, Discusses How Her Unique Teaching Styles in Her Violin Lessons has Brought Success to Many Musicians
Read the full article ›Marnie Thies of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons Shares Lesson Structure for Advanced-Level Students
Read the full article ›Marnie Thies of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons in St. Paul, Minnesota Explains Why Practicing Separate Bows Is Essential - IssueWire
Read the full article ›Awards & Recognition
- First Place Winner, Freshman Music Competition – Sigma Alpha Iota, University of Wisconsin–Madison Chapter, 1997
Licenses & Certifications
- Suzuki Teacher Training, Books 1–10 – Suzuki Institute, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Boards & Memberships
- Adjudicator, National Federation of Music Clubs Competition – East Suburban Federation of Music Clubs, 2006 – 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Marnie Thies do?
Marnie Thies is a Suzuki violin instructor and founder of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, teaching beginner to advanced students since 2004. She offers in-person and online lessons covering technique, note reading, vibrato, bowing, and musical expression.
What is Marnie Thies known for?
Marnie Thies is known for her Suzuki-based violin instruction, with students who have gone on to join groups like the Minnesota Youth Symphonies and Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies. She has been featured in press pieces discussing her teaching methods and lesson structure.
Where is Marnie Thies based?
Marnie Thies is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States, offering in-person lessons in Falcon Heights and North Oaks as well as online instruction.
Where did Marnie Thies study?
Marnie Thies earned a Master's Degree in Violin Performance from DePaul University and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Who does Marnie Thies work for?
Marnie Thies is the founder and instructor at Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, and previously taught at Hamline Preparatory School of Music and MacPhail Center for Music.
Last updated February 20, 2026