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Viola

Overview

The viola studio offers professionalism in a creative environment and personal attention, as well as challenging curricula and performance opportunities.

Studio Details

  • Private Lessons

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

  • Studio Class

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

  • Chamber Music

    This program is a great way for musicians to work in small ensembles such as 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 Illinois State University 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.

Past Guest Artists

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.

Notable Alumni

  • Katie Brown (B.M.E. 2015)

    Founder/co-host Classically Black Podcast; viola fellow, Memphis Symphony Orchestra; M.M. performance/education Eastman School of Music

  • Abigail Dreher (B.M.E./Performance 2016)

    Music teacher, Aspen Community School and lead teacher of beginning and continuing strings programs for Aspen Music Festival and School

  • Andrew François (B.M. Performance 2012)

    Violist, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; Los Angeles Philharmonic Resident Fellow alum; New World Symphony alum; M.M., Indiana University

  • Breann Laermans (B.M.E. 2019)

    Strings teacher, Danville Public Schools

  • Rachel Tatar (B.M.E. 2015)

    Strings teacher, Joilet Public Schools

  • Regina Vendetti (B.M.E./Performance 2019)

    Graduate studies in performance and education, University of Colorado Boulder fellowship

  • Matthew White (B.M.E. 2015)

    Orchestra director, Scullen Middle School, Naperville, IL

  • Eileen Wronkiewicz (B.M.E. 2015)

    Orchestra director, Woodlawn Middle School, Long Grove, IL

Past Performances

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