Julie Russell, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, began playing violin at age 11. She earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a Performance Certificate in Violin from the University of South Carolina in 2009, studying under Dr. William Terwilliger and Mr. Ryan Kho. During her time at USC, she performed with the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and taught in the USC String Project under Dr. Gail Barnes.

Julie began her teaching career in the New Haven Public Schools while her husband, Thomas, attended Yale University. During that time, she collaborated with Yale teaching artists, including the Linden String Quartet and violinist Brian Lewis, and taught at the Morse Summer Music Academy.

In 2011, they moved to Nashville, TN, where Julie taught at The Covenant School and Covenant Conservatory. Her interest in early music deepened through studies in baroque violin with Rebecca Cole, performances with Music City Baroque, and participation in the Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute. She was also a member of the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and Jet Set Strings.

Since relocating to Columbia, SC, in 2016, Julie has remained active as a violinist with the South Carolina Philharmonic and First Presbyterian Church’s music ministry. She currently serves as Orchestra Director at Blythewood High School, Region Orchestra Chair of SCMEA, and President of SC ASTA. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year, District Finalist, and one of Yamaha’s 40 Under 40 for 2024–2025.

Julie and Thomas have three children and enjoy long-distance running, camping, road trips, and homesteading on their land, Withywindle Farm.