Born and raised in Southern California, Joan Peffer has been an active member of music communities for as long as she can remember.  Violin studies began at the age of 8 with her Aunt, Suzanne Reinecke.  Other violin teachers Joan has studied with include Rocco Leggett, Dr. David Margetts and Janet Rathton, former professors at Chapman University in Orange, CA, and Helen Pagal, a Julliard grad, whom Joan studied with in Olympia, WA.  She graduated with a BA in violin performance from The Evergreen State College, in Olympia, WA.  Joan’s music studies also include piano and voice.  Joan studied piano with Kate Whitney, in CA , Warren Magid and Gretchen Dekker  in York, PA.  She is currently studying voice with Catherine McCord Larsen. She keeps current with her violin studies by watching webinars and working with Masterclass videos. Joan has taught both violin and piano for 12 years in Orange County, CA and upon relocating to the York area, has taught privately for 25 years at home, and 4 years at YCPrep Community School at York College of PA. Presently, Joan is active in the community and is the President of York Music Teachers Association and 2nd Vice President in charge of publicity and membership for Matinee Musical Club of York.  Joan is also a member of "Go for B'roque" a small ensemble, playing violin, piano or harpsichord, as needed.   She currently is singing with the York Symphony Chorus.

Besides teaching and music studies, Joan enjoys gardening, reading and catching up with her 3 adult children and their significant others.  She and her husband Wes, are enjoying being empty nesters!