Meg Bonta picked up the violin for the first time when she was just 5 years old. Today, she not only plays 11 string instruments, but is also co-founder of the SoundTide Music School in Portage.

Bonta grew up in Munster and attended Andrean High School before attending Valparaiso University to study biochemistry and music. She originally planned to become an ophthalmologist, but by her third year of college she was focusing on a career in music.

“I had the opportunity to study with a great professor at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during my third year of college,” Bonta said. “That shifted my career more toward music than science. Originally, I wanted to help people see through their eyes, but now, as a professional musician and educator, I can help people see in a completely different way.”

In 2016, Bonta and her husband founded SoundTide Music School to provide Portage with the kind of classical music education she didn’t have as a child.

SoundTide currently has about 100 students. Bonta is proud of the individualized curriculum the school offers.

“Each student receives an individualized plan tailored to their needs that evolves as they progress,” Bonta said. “This personalized approach has been a key factor in our success.”

Bonta’s favorite part of teaching is seeing her students develop. She often follows them from their first class until they go on to college.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness a student’s journey from their excitement when they first pick up an instrument to their preparation for college,” Bonta said. “Seeing them succeed and knowing they have great things ahead of them is truly amazing.”

Through her commitment to music and education, Bonta has received the Outstanding Educator Award and the Diocesan Director Award. She is also currently the principal string soloist for the Diocese of Gary.

Among her many achievements is her performance as a violin solo at Carnegie Hall in February 2023.

“I specialized in a technique called scordatura, a technique rarely used in classical music today,” said Bonta. “I performed pieces from the ‘Mystery Sonatas’ from the 1670s. In addition, I reinvented the tuning for modern instruments and even adjusted it live in front of the audience. It was a dream come true – a truly great experience.”

Bonta continues to seek new challenges and learn to play another string instrument – ​​one with a rich history.

“I learned to play the viola da gamba, an instrument that dates back to the 16th century – the Baroque period,” Bonta said. “It’s a fascinating instrument with six strings and frets that originally came from Spain. Before symphonies became popular, the viola da gamba was often used in chamber music and small ensembles. It’s played in a similar way to a small cello.”

Outside of her professional life, Bonta enjoys composing music, studying, reading and spending time outdoors with her husband, friends and family.

“It’s an incredible experience to work with such wonderful students every day,” said Bonta. “For me, this is the best job in the world.”