Queen City Strings

Margaret de Souza

Violin & Viola Teacher

Margaret began her journey with the violin in a kindergarten classroom and has been devoted to music ever since. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Converse University, where she studied violin under Sarah Johnson. While in college, she taught privately through the Lawson Academy, performed with the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, and spent two summers as a counselor at the Fine Arts Day Camp. At Charlotte Academy of the Arts, Margaret teaching violin, viola, and conducts our orchestra, Queen City Strings. After graduation, Margaret moved to Greenville, SC, where she co-taught orchestra at two magnet middle schools, each of which grew to nearly 200 students under her leadership. She also taught at Mauldin Middle and High Schools, Hillcrest High School, and founded the orchestra program at Fountain Inn High School. Beyond the classroom, she coached the Greenville County Youth Orchestras and maintained a thriving private studio for violin and viola students. In 2023, Margaret relocated to Charlotte, NC, to get married and pursue a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling at the Reformed Theological Seminary. She now lives in Indian Land, SC, where she continues to teach private lessons, serve on her church’s worship team, and perform locally with her husband, Thomas—a drummer, guitarist, and songwriter. Margaret is passionate about equipping students to reach their highest musical potential and helping them discover their individual musical voice. Among her favorite teaching moments are class performance trips to Dollywood and Carowinds, introducing students to conducting, and watching them come alive through the joy of making music with others.