Tiffany McDaniel
Violin I
Tiffany McDaniel is a section violinist of the Amarillo Symphony and a teacher/program assistant in the Amarillo College Suzuki Program. She also works as an Administrative Specialist for the AC Department of Music and Theatre, serves on the Amarillo Master Chorale board, and books orchestra musicians for the Amarillo Opera. Her true passion lies in teaching children, and through the Suzuki Program, she instructs a full studio of violinists ages 3-18 as well as 2 group classes.
Tiffany started the violin at the age of 3 in the AC Suzuki Program alongside her twin brother who started on cello. This was due to her grandmother’s familiarity with the program since her aunt was among the first group of students enrolled in 1977. She remained in the program until graduating high school, when she went on to receive an associate’s degree in music at AC and a bachelor’s in Music Business at West Texas A&M University.
When asked about any special moment during her time in the Symphony so far, Tiffany says that “there are just too many to count” in her 24 years as a musician. Some fond memories include funny mishaps and inside jokes in the Nutcracker pit, a special Itzhak Perlman recital, and her first performance of large works like Beethoven 9. She also reflects on memories playing with late members as well as the impact COVID had on her appreciation for live performance.
Tiffany’s favorite part of being a violinist is the privilege of speaking, reading, teaching, and enjoying a universal language: “I love being able to understand AND convey the emotions that music communicates.” Similarly, her favorite aspect of orchestral playing is the collaboration to create someone’s audible story for others to enjoy. She cherishes the friendships made through the Symphony, the opportunity to sit next to current and former students, and the talent she gets to witness among guest artists and fellow musicians.
Outside of music, Tiffany’s hobbies include baking, cross-stitching, watching movies, and all things nerd: “I am a little too into all things sci-fi and superhero, and you can most likely find me in cosplay at any comic con in driving distance!” She also enjoys spending time with her husband Chris, her 10-year-old daughter Hazel, and her two dogs Cecil and Pearl.
View all Artists