Christine Hartigan, President

Christine Hartigan is a cellist, private music teacher, and entrepreneur based in Fredericksburg, VA. She is the founder and Artistic Director of the Virginia Cello Ensemble (VCE), one of her crowning achievements. The VCE comprises over 40 cellists of all ages and performance levels. In addition to providing an opportunity for cellists to perform together, she also invites guest collaborators such as professional musicians, arrangers, and dancers to enrich the ensemble’s innovative concerts. A true educator at heart, she appoints VCE members to lead rehearsals and conduct pieces at concerts to encourage and cultivate leadership skills in young musicians. The VCE can be heard on the annual Hometown Holiday Spotlight at WGRQ 95.5 FM and at several venues in Fredericksburg. Most notably, the VCE was the first live musical performing ensemble hosted at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium in 2021, home of the Fredericksburg Nationals.

With over 25 years of private studio teaching experience, Ms. Hartigan teaches her students musical independence through teaching and performance. In addition to teaching fundamental skills, she provides them with opportunities to teach others which allows them to think critically about their technique. They

are also given ample performance opportunities to demonstrate their musical growth and progress. Her students are frequently selected by audition to participate in honor-level orchestras including all-county, North Central Virginia Junior and Senior Regional Orchestras, and All-Virginia Orchestra. In the past, her

students attended music festivals at Eastman, James Madison University, and at the Philadelphia International Music Festival. Ms. Hartigan mentored students who pursued music careers and enrolled in college music programs such as Shenandoah Conservatory, West Virginia, Boston, Michigan State, and James Madison Universities. She has enjoyed watching several of her former students enter the music profession as studio teachers and public school orchestra directors.

An avid supporter of string music education in the public schools, Ms. Hartigan often volunteers her time leading cello sectionals or assisting local orchestra programs. Additionally, she led professional development workshops in string pedagogy at Charles County Public Schools, MD, and Spotsylvania

County Public Schools, VA. She also held long-term substitute positions at Freedom, Spotsylvania, and Thornburg Middle Schools and Riverbend High School in Spotsylvania County.

As an entrepreneur, Ms. Hartigan established and served as Executive Director of Forte Music Studios in Fredericksburg, VA from 2004–2011. Forte was home to over 20 private music teachers that collectively taught over 300 students annually. In collaboration with the teachers, Ms. Hartigan provided enriching experiences for her students by organizing masterclasses, forums, and workshops with guest artists such as Zuill Bailey, Amit Peled, and Stephen Czarkowski.

A native of Prince William County, Ms. Hartigan has been an active professional musician in Virginia for 30 years, serving as principal cellist with the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic 2012-2013, Old Bridge Community Orchestra 2008-2009, and Spotswood Community Orchestra 2008-2010. Additionally, she is an active section member in orchestras in Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, and the Northern Neck and served as the assistant principal cellist with the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra 2001-2015.

In her spare time, Ms. Hartigan enjoys quilting, scrapbooking, and porch time with family and friends. 

“Technique is the power that drives movement.” cdh