Private Lessons

Lessons are scheduled with the professor and meet weekly. These lessons focus on technique, style, & musicianship.

Studio Class

Meets every Monday afternoon from 3-4pm. Additional sectional, technique class, or viola quartet coaching meets every Friday from 3-4pm.

Chamber Music

This program is a great way for musicians to work in small ensembles like trios, quartets, etc. These groups are often arranged by the professor. While some groups are comprised of one instrument, many others include a mixture of instruments.

String Project

The String Project is a unique program within ISU that allows string players to teach aspiring students. This program helps to strengthen educational foundations for the players and for the young teachers. These lessons and workshops focus on posture, note reading, technique & more. More information can be found on The String Project page. 

Suggested Repertoire

The following suggestions are representative of acceptable repertoire for undergraduate admission auditions. You are NOT limited to what is listed. Students should not hesitate to use music similar in nature and difficulty.

Play at least two pieces or movements in different tempi, from contrasting style periods: baroque, classical, romantic, and 20th century. 

On Campus

• Symphony Orchestra
• Chamber Music -regularly scheduled student chamber music recitals each semester.
• Outreach opportunities through Illinois State University student ASTA chapter.

Yearly artist-teacher guests including

• Karen Ritscher
• Jeff Irvine
• James Dunham
• Peter Slowik
• Stephen Wyrczynski

Additional specialists in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Suzuki Pedagogy, orchestral and chamber music studies.

• Andrew François (BM Performance 2012): Indiana University MM, New World Symphony Fellow
• Matthew White (BME 2015): Orchestra Director, Scullen Middle School, Naperville, IL
• Eileen Wronkiewicz (BME 2015): Orchestra Director, Woodlawn Middle School, Long Grove, IL
• Katie Brown (BME 2015): Graduate studies in viola performance and education at the Eastman School of Music