Duane Padilla

Duane Padilla is an accomplished musician and educator with extensive experience in various roles within the music industry. Currently serving as the Director of the Freestyle String Ensemble at the Hawaii Youth Symphony since June 2023, Padilla also performs as a violist in the award-winning Mana Music Quartet and plays lead violin in Honolulu's premiere Gypsy Jazz Band, Hot Club of Hulaville. An adjunct professor of violin at Chaminade University of Honolulu since September 2015, Padilla has provided private violin instruction at Punahou School since September 2003 and has been a section violinist with the Honolulu Symphony since September 2001. In addition, Padilla operates a freelance recording studio, specializing in multi-track commercial projects and concert recordings. Academic credentials include a Master of Music from Yale School of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in music and psychology from Northwestern University.