Karen Tuttle is unquestionably a living legacy in the world of viola pedagogy. The potency of her teaching philosophy, along with her dynamic personality, has influenced music students for almost sixty years. She has always been a famously free spirit whose ideas have consistently drawn both controversy and allegiance. Despite changes in cultural climate, Tuttle's belief in the importance of personal exploration has remained steadfast. Her contributions to both the meaning of performance and the mechanics of viola playing have enriched the field of viola pedagogy on a scale that is rare. More than a playing technique or a school, Tuttle's teaching is truly a philosophy. The nature of her playing philosophy, and the level of exposure it has received, has made her teaching both controversial and misunderstood. The purpose of this study is to examine Karen Tuttle's influence on modern viola teaching. Based primarily on many articles and interviews, topics covered include her biography, her teaching principles, and her influence in teaching. This influence is researched through interviews with former students. Of her legacy in viola pedagogy, we see specifically what is most groundbreaking and effective, and how this has made her teaching so revered.