Teacher Profile: Justin Brookins

About Justin Brookins

Whether in the classroom or on stage, Justin Brookins consistently uses music as a tool to build community and strengthen relationships. He believes that art is a vital resource and should be accessible to all audiences in a variety of means.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Brookins has extensive freelance and professional experience. He has performed with the Kennesaw State University Symphony, Georgia All-College Orchestra, Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Symphony, Tucson Repertory Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Tucson, as well as with groups such as Kansas and von Grey. His experience managing and performing in the Chastain String Quartet prepared him to later work and tour with the inaugural Graduate String Quintet from the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music in Spring 2016.

Mr. Brookins has studied viola with Jacob Yampolsky, Dr. Allyson Fleck, Dr. Cathy Lynn, Dr. Katherine Lewis, Hong Mei-Xiao, and Lauren Roth. He has performed in masterclasses for Elias Goldstein, Victoria Chiang, Phillip Ying, and Brett Deubner.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Brookins moved to Tucson, Arizona to pursue graduate studies in viola performance. As part of his tenure in the Graduate String Quintet, Mr. Brookins developed the curriculum and taught beginning violin and viola to students under seven years of age through the University’s String Project. His tenure with the organization spurred his interest in string education through performance.

Mr. Brookins finds his greatest inspiration in teaching, specifically to underrepresented student populations. He advocates heavily for Public Education and participated in the #RedforEd movement in the Spring of 2018 in Arizona. He taught for four years in Tucson, Arizona, and most recently completed 4 years serving Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, Georgia.