Charlotte Yao is an active professional violinist based in the DMV area. She currently serves as 4th Chair First Violin with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and as a sectional violinist with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. She has also performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Spoleto Festival Orchestra.
In her teaching practice, Charlotte uses the Suzuki method combined with comprehensive technical training to cultivate expressive, well-rounded musicians. She offers in-home private violin lessons and teaches at the Bethany Music Center, guiding students of all ages toward artistic excellence. Her students frequently earn positions in regional youth ensembles, including the Howard County Gifted and Talented Orchestra, Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Originally from Taiwan, Charlotte holds a Master of Music in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. Her background also includes pedagogical training as an intern at Peabody, further enriching her holistic approach to violin performance and education.
Watch Charlotte Yao perform Carmen Fantasy by Pablo De Sarasate on the violin for the 2026 World Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.