Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Bertram.
Tamara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Sydney, Australia, where music was always a central part of my life. I began performing at weddings back in 2004, and over time that grew into coordinating ensembles and connecting other musicians with performance opportunities. I loved seeing how live music could completely transform an event, creating moments people never forget.
In 2013, while living in Italy, I founded the Lake Como String Quartet, which gave me the chance to combine performance with event management and develop a professional network of musicians.
After moving to the United States, I joined the University of North Dakota’s Graduate String Quartet and continued coordinating and performing for weddings here in the Grand Forks area. That experience inspired me to launch Bertram Studio, which brings together all the things I love—performing, teaching, and community.
The Greater Grand Forks String Quartet is one part of Bertram Studio, and I often involve my students in performances for local events and weddings. It’s a wonderful way for them to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and share their music with the community. Over the years, the studio has grown to include teaching orchestra programs in all of the private schools in town.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a rewarding journey, though not always a smooth one. Moving countries meant starting from scratch each time—building new connections, finding trusted musicians, and understanding how each community works. When I left Italy, I was fortunate to find others to continue running the weddings there, but my Australian wedding business had to close once I moved to the U.S.
Here in Grand Forks, the biggest challenge has been logistics. We sometimes have multiple weddings happening at the same time, and recently I coordinated four weddings on the same day while I was overseas! It took careful planning and a reliable team to make sure everything ran perfectly.
Otherwise, I’ve been very lucky. The only real downside is that wedding season falls right in the middle of summer—when I’d love to travel—but being part of so many beautiful celebrations makes it worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Through Bertram Studio, I wear a few different hats — musician, teacher, and coordinator. I perform regularly with the Greater Grand Forks String Quartet, which is part of Bertram Studio, and we specialize in providing elegant, high-quality live music for weddings and events across the region. What makes the work so meaningful is that it’s not just performance — it’s collaboration, organization, and creating moments that people remember for a lifetime.
Beyond performing, I’m also deeply committed to teaching. I direct orchestra programs in all the private schools in Grand Forks and mentor young musicians in my studio. Many of my students now play alongside me at weddings and community events, which is something I’m especially proud of. It’s rewarding to see them grow not just as musicians, but as confident, professional young artists.
What sets Bertram Studio apart is the combination of artistry and mentorship — we blend professional performance with real-world learning. Our approach is warm, personal, and community-centered. Every event we play for is unique, and we take great care to match the music to the atmosphere and story of each couple or occasion.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are lots of ways to connect with me and Bertram Studio. For couples or event organizers, we offer live music through the Greater Grand Forks String Quartet and smaller ensembles — everything from weddings and corporate gatherings to private and community events. People can reach out through our website or social media to book live music customized for their occasion.
For musicians and educators, I’m always open to collaboration — performing together, arranging new repertoire, or giving students opportunities to gain professional experience. I really enjoy projects that bring people together around creativity, connection, and the arts.
Another way to get involved is by attending our Backyard Concert Series in the summer. These informal community performances feature local musicians, students, and guest artists, all gathered in a relaxed setting that celebrates live music and togetherness.
And of course, supporting Bertram Studio by attending concerts, booking performances, or simply sharing our work helps keep live music thriving in Grand Forks and gives students more chances to grow as confident, expressive musicians.
Pricing:
- Wedding Ceremony Music (String Quartet): Starting at $700
- Smaller Ensembles (Duos or Trios): Starting at $400
- Background or Cocktail Hour Music: Add-on from $250 per hour
- Backyard Concerts & Community Events: Flexible pricing — often by donation or community partnership
- Private Lessons (Violin or Viola): Rates available upon request through Bertram Studio
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bertramstudio.com | https://grandforksquartet.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bertramstringstudio/ | https://www.instagram.com/greatergrandforksstringquartet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bertramstudio/ | https://www.facebook.com/GGFStringQuartet
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bertram-studio
- Youtube: @bertramstudio | https://www.youtube.com/@greatergrandforksstringqua5457
