Margaret Banks

MARGARET BANKS was born in Buffalo, NY into a large family that considered a musical education an essential part of a well-rounded education. All of her siblings played several instruments. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art history at Oberlin College, a bachelor’s degree in violin performance at Oberlin Conservatory, and a master’s degree at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. She has played in musical festivals including Kneisel Hall and Aspen Music Festival. 

Margaret was a member of the Yamagata Symphony of Japan. Since moving to New Jersey in the late 1980s, she has freelanced as a violinist in the tri-state area with symphonies and opera companies. She has taught at The College of New Jersey and Rider University’s Westminster Conservatory. She currently teaches strings in Princeton Public Schools and for the Trenton Music Makers. 

Margaret has one son, Matthew, who is a sophomore studying economics at Northeastern University. Margaret resides with her husband, Jim, in Rocky Hill. She enjoys teaching, performing, cooking, her big dog, Will, and living near a public library. She has an interest in all types of restoration, especially musical instruments, furniture, and architecture. She is at her most content in any museum, sculpture garden, or gallery.