Iris Jones, is a goal-oriented and enthusiastic musician and teacher, whose passion for music has be cultivated for a decade in violin performance paired with 19 years in voice. Iris is a seasoned musician dedicated to honing her skills and sharing her knowledge with students, specializing in teaching violin, viola, and beginner voice.
Iris’s musical journey began with an intuitive love for singing at a young age, enjoying both personal singing and participation in choral ensembles. Starting at the Julestarz Academy for the Performing Arts on piano at age 9 and later transitioning to violin, Iris gained valuable initial experience in orchestra at Progress Village Middle School. Her musical education expanded at the Patel Conservatory, where she took lessons, participated in chamber, and mixed ensembles up until graduating from high school.
At Blake High School for the Performing Arts, Iris saw an expansion in musical opportunities including traveling abroad to Ireland, performing at the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) conference, and side by side with USF having worked up into Symphony and Chamber orchestras by their senior year. Supplementing their experience working with performance with the ensembles of the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestras. Iris now enjoys working with the same organization, whose mission is increasing accessibility and exposure to music as well as building community.
Currently a sophomore at HCC’s Ybor campus, Iris is pursuing a Music AA degree as a stepping stone to future endeavors in music education. With plans to continue studies at USF for Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education, Iris is dedicated to furthering her expertise and contributing to the field.
Balancing teaching with personal musical pursuits, Iris serves as the assistant concertmaster for the UT Symphony, concertmaster in the HCC Ybor City String Project, and assistant section leader for the HCC Ybor Choir. These experiences contribute to Iris’s continuing growth as a musician and educator.
Iris's teaching method centers around technique while emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and goal setting. Above all, Iris wishes to bring the joys of music to students of all ages. Through humility and a genuine love for her craft, Iris creates an environment where students can discover and cherish their own musical passions.