Aniela Perry, who is known on Whidbey Island for her musical talent, her knowledge of working with stringed instruments, and her abilities as a music teacher, is now working on establishing Freeland, Washington as a Music Hub for the island.
In the small Whidbey community, word has spread about her talent. A founding member of chamber ensemble, Trio Rasa and Rasa 5 (with pianist Sheila Weidendorf, violinists Linda Vogt, Gloria Ferry-Brennan and violist Roxanna Patterson), Aniela also keeps busy as the principal cellist of the Saratoga Orchestra, the director of the strings program at Whidbey Island Waldorf School, director of the Salish Youth Symphony and manages a full private studio.
For the last 4 years, she has primarily operated a small, by-appointment-only violin shop known as Tiny House of Strings from her little, 100+ year old cottage on Main Street in Freeland. Tiny House of Strings offers rental and repair service for orchestral string family instruments and will continue to do so after the expansion.
Starting in summer 2026, with the combined efforts of new neighbors Blue Sound Music, Ms. Perry is launching the Whidbey Island School of Music & Dance. Over the coming months, with the help of friends and family, she is renovating the former Building Source warehouse facility, which sits on the same property as Tiny House of Strings. WISOMAD, as students have already started affectionately referring to it, will offer private and group lessons on just about every musical instrument imaginable, as well as fun and approachable dance classes for the whole community.
“I’ve been planning this music hub idea for over 3 years, with the goal of creating a space where all of Whidbey’s musical talent can come and share their knowledge and craft in the form of lessons, classes and concerts- all under one roof. With a school and venue for musicians, by musicians. A place to support a real working artist’s economy”
In the meantime, you can sign up for private lessons or inquire about orchestral stringed instrument rental, repair and retail by reaching out to Aniela at info@tinyhouseofstrings.com, or by calling 424-535-1856. Additionally, Ms. Perry is open to accommodating more music and dance teachers and would love to hear your ideas for classes and events
