Edward Wharton, originally a Suzuki violinist, transitioned to the viola at the age of 17 after discovering its rich and amorous tone. Beginning under the tutelage of Leroy Bauer in his hometown of Moscow Idaho, Edward went on to study with Tamas Strasser in St. Paul, Masumi Rostad at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Ferenc Cseszko at the University of Idaho.

A dedicated fan of chamber music, Edward had the pleasure of studying with the Pacifica, Borromeo and Lafayette String Quartets in addition to the Apple Hill Chamber Players. He attended and performed at the Madeline Island Music Festival, Musicorda Music Festival and the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music. Edward also brings with him orchestral experience from the University of Idaho Orchestra, the Washington-Idaho Symphony, Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra.