Paula Riddle is an active performer throughout the Southeast. She has been principal horn of the Hendersonville (N.C.) Symphony Orchestra for six years as well as second horn of the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra and Spartanburg (S.C.) Symphony. She regularly performs with the Augusta (GA.) Symphony and Greenville (S.C.) Symphony. She received her master's degree from the University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of music in 1996. During her time in Cincinnati, Riddle maintained a successful pre-college horn studio and performed as a freelance musician.
Riddle is currently teaching studio horn, introduction to music and chamber music at Furman University. She also teaches horn at South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities. She continues to teach a number of students privately who have attended schools such as Julliard, Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University, the University of South Carolina and the University of Georgia. Additionally, she is the president of the Upstate Horn Club, which is a fraternity of horn players ranging from young students to professionals in the upstate community of South Carolina.
Riddle and her husband, Rick, have three daughters, Emma Grace, Vivian and Lindsey. They are members of Grace Christian Church in Greenville, S.C. When she is not spending time with her family or performing, you can find her at the barn riding horses and enjoying the beautiful Greenville countryside.
Training
Tom Sherwood, Mike Hatfield and Steven Gross
University of Cincinnati
Robert Pruzin
University of South Carolina
Susan Welty
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
My philosophy about teaching is rooted in a strong desire to be the best musician I can be. As an active performer, I am able to relate to my students the demands of performing in the competitive world of music. Guiding students through standard repertoire that explores very specific and key aspects of horn playing is a must! A well-planned lesson with specific weekly goals is an important part of musical growth. I also believe that students are unique and it is my job to be sensitive to their individual needs while continuing to hold them to a standard that is necessary to compete in today's music world. I look forward to challenges presented with each individual and enjoy seeing my students evolve into the musicians they are meant to be!