Violin/Viola

Larissa Mapua is a Filipino-American violist based in Chicago. Selected by the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, she performed Debussy's String Quartet, Op.10 at the U.S. Capitol for the 114th U.S. Congress. She also presented a solo recital for Fidel V. Ramos, 12th President of the Philippines. She has recorded for Deutsche Grammophone and was filmed in Netflix's Maestro, under the batons of Yannick Nezet- Seguin and actor Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein. She enjoys performing across genres, including pop at Lollapalooza 2024 for Liquid Death, and U.S. tour appearances with Kygo, singer-songwriter Halsey and jazz artist Laufey. Her orchestral training includes The Orchestra Now and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, where she studied under members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, as well as for Georgia Public Broadcasting television live. Chamber music appearances include Midsummer’s Music, National Music Festival and Madeline Island Chamber Music. Her achievements were recognized by the National Federation of Music Clubs, Asian/Pacific American Council of Georgia, Galing Foundation Inc., and Filipino-American Association of Greater Atlanta. Larissa holds a Master of Music from Indiana University, where she studied with Edward Gazouleas, and a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University with Rami Solomonow. Her additional teachers include Matthew Daline, Doyle Armbrust and Allyson Fleck.

Since 2012, Larissa has been passionate about private teaching, drawing from over 20 years of performance experience. Having started in a public school orchestra program, she understands firsthand the journey from foundational skills to musical fluency. Her lessons help students develop a natural, mindful connection between their body and instrument, promoting ease in their playing. Through a richer understanding of how anatomy shapes sound, students build confidence and flow in left-hand and right-hand technique. The easier it feels, the more fun it becomes to play!

Her approach is deeply influenced by her yoga teacher training and meditation background. Beyond playing the “right” notes, her students learn where to look, what to feel, and how to listen. By fostering body awareness and breaking down problem-solving into clear steps, she helps to make independent practice more enjoyable and satisfying. Larissa's goal is to help students create a practice routine they look forward to while finding fulfillment in their progress. She believes that with a positive mindset and positive mentorship, anyone can learn to play an instrument. Her value-centered teaching provides a supportive environment where students grow in inner awareness and musical artistry—while having fun along the way.

To contact/schedule a lesson with Larissa email metzgermusicstudio@gmail.com or call 773-744-1156