Since winning his position with The Phoenix Symphony in 1986, first violinist Dana Pasley has been in great demand as a chamber musician, soloist and teacher here in the Valley.

A native of California, he began playing at the age of seven and continued his studies in his home state, where he attended California State University Fullerton. His teachers included Ken Goldsmith, Glen Dicterow and Lori Ulanova of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Before coming to Arizona, Pasley performed extensively in California and appeared with the Pacific, Pasadena and Glendale symphony orchestras in addition to several surrounding-area chamber orchestras.

A man of diverse talents and interests, Pasley can operate a ham radio, repair a car, lay a roof and race his catamaran with equal aplomb. He also enjoys mountain biking with his wife Virginia and their two children.