Dr. Christopher Luther is the President and Owner of Luther Strings, and a Teaching Artist. He is extremely passionate about his small business and the team that helps him run it! 

Lovingly referred to as "Chris", you can find Dr. Luther often in the shop, eagerly helping out customers with his expertise in instrument selection, performance and pedagogy. 

Dr. Luther is knowledgable in all areas relating to the Luther Strings shopping and academic experience, so when in doubt, ask for Chris. He will be ecstatic to help you out, and will make sure to leave you feeling satisfied!

Artist Bio

Violist, violinist, conductor, arranger, mentor, and devoted pedagogue, Dr. Christopher Luther has established himself as a uniquely gifted performer and teacher through his diverse musical background and uncanny ability to reach and inspire students.

One of few teachers who can fully teach and perform classical and non-classical styles at the highest level, Dr. Luther combines both worlds, both for exciting, innovative performances, as well as to revolutionize the process of music education. 

In Los Angeles, Dr. Luther performed many soundtracks with on-screen performances, with the most notable of which being The Soloist.  He has collaborated with artists including Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Patti Austin, Ruben Studdard, James Moody, Jon Faddis, Nancy Wilson, Richard Green, Andrea Bocelli, and many others, including a performance on The Jay Leno Show with Sarah Barrielles.

Dr. Luther elevates his students with a tailored teaching approach to all ages and all abilities. Certified for the entire Suzuki Violin Method from the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Dr. Luther understands the importance of structure and thoughtful sequencing of technique and repertoire. More recently, Dr. Luther has used his abilities as a teacher and pedagogue to teach String Teaching/Pedagogy classes, and String Literature classes for both the undergraduate and graduate levels. With his vast experience in alternative styles, improvisation, and theory, Dr. Luther is able to teach and stimulate his students with a more comprehensive, complete, and modern approach.

As a masterclass clinician, Dr. Luther's recent university visits include the Peabody Conservatory, Temple University, University of Delaware, Colorado State University, Louisiana State University, Texas State University, Texas Lutheran University, Southwestern University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Delaware, Ball State University, Montgomery College, University of Tampico Mexico, University Nevada Las Vegas, most universities in Taiwan, the American Viola Society National Festival, and the International Viola Congress.

Dr. Luther is in demand as an all-state conductor, as he can teach, perform, and connect classical and folk traditions to all ensemble sizes and instruments.  Recent all-state engagements include ones for Colorado, Alaska, and Wyoming.
Summer activities include serving as artist-faculty at the Montecito International Music Festival, as well as for Pepperdine University’s summer music program in Heidelberg, Germany.  He is the co-founder and co-director of Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, and also founded the Luther Strings Chamber Academy Summer Intensive in 2022.

As a violist, Luther’s primary instructors were Roger Myers and Donald McInnes. He completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Viola Performance from the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas, with a recruitment scholarship and the String Teaching Assistant appointment. He received his Masters Degree from the Thornton School of Music at University of Southern California in violin performance, under the tutelage of Eudice Shapiro and Martin Chalifour - concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He began his performance career at the age of eight, fiddling at the Colorado Renaissance Festival. Since then, he has continued his diverse musical training with an undergraduate degree in Violin Performance and Jazz Studies from the Lamont School of Music, at the University of Denver - under the tutelage of James Maurer.

In addition to being certified for the entire Suzuki Violin Method, Dr. Luther is also certified through the Suzuki Association of Americas for Viola Book 9.