String Area

Overview

The CSU string area seeks to empower students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a successful career in music. One-on-one training with artist/scholars, chamber ensemble coaching sessions, rehearsals and concerts with the University Symphony and Sinfonia Orchestras promote the intellectual, creative and artistic growth of each student. We believe that total musicianship involves training the artists of the future to have a breadth of knowledge. Professional musicians today are performers, scholars, educators and active supporters of the cause of music. Our string program guides the aspiring musician towards the fulfillment of these goals.

Guest Artist Concert: Ira Gold, Double Bass

February 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Join double bassist Ira Gold from the National Symphony Orchestra and Peabody Conservatory for an evening of solo music by J.S. Bach, Serge Koussevitzky, and Sofia Gubaidulina. Ira Gold joined the National Symphony Orchestra in 2005 after performing with major American ensembles, including serving as section bass with the Minnesota Orchestra and guest principal bass [...]

Virtuoso Series Concert: Meredith Blecha-Wells, Cello and Jooyeon Chang, Piano

February 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM
An Evening in the French Salon Monday, February 23, 7:30 p.m., Organ Recital Hall Step into the golden age of French music, where the cello sang beside the piano in intimate salons and grand concert halls alike. This recital by CSU faculty artists Meredith Blecha-Wells, cello, and Jooyeon Chang, piano, Features works by César Franck, [...]

Virtuoso Series Concert: Rose Wollman, Viola

March 2, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Periphery With Ron Francois, Violin, and Hyeji Seo, Piano An evening of music that doesn’t fit neatly into a box. The concert featuring CSU faculty artist Rose Wollman, viola, with Ron Francois, violin, and Hyeji Seo, piano, includes works by Sergei Prokofiev, Garth Knox, Grazyna Bacewicz, Mario Lavista, Akshaya Avril Tucker, and Astor Piazzolla.

String News

Nabile Galvan headshot

Announcing Nabile Galván as CSU assistant professor of Music Education

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Announcing Nabile Galván as CSU assistant professor of Music Education.

2025 New viola professor Rose Wollman pictured with chin resting on top of viola.

Announcing Dr. Rose Wollman as CSU viola professor

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The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance welcomes Rose Wollman as assistant professor of viola. Hailed as “innovative” and “stylish” by the Chicago Classical Review, violist, Rose Wollman is a sought-after soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and teacher. Dr. Wollman received her D.M. from the IU Jacobs School of Music and is thrilled to be […]

Viola student, Bella Penna plays instrument in her ROTC uniform

Music student Bella Penna plays National Anthem at Lt. Col. Matthew Tillman’s Ram Battalion retirement

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Music student Bella Penna plays National Anthem at Lt. Col. Matthew Tillman’s Army ROTC Ram Battalion retirement.

Artists-in-Residence

Mendelssohn Trio 2021 Promotional Photo

The Mendelssohn Trio: Formed in 1988, the trio is named for cellist Barbara Thiem's great grandfather, Franz von Mendelssohn, a nephew of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and an important supporter of artists and musicians in the Berlin of the early 20th century. While performing the standard repertoire of the 18th and 19th centuries the trio has made an effort to introduce its audiences to works by 20th century American and European composers. The members give frequent concerts and work closely with students on chamber music projects.

Duo Francois Promotional Photo

The Duo Francois has been performing at National and International venues since 2008.  This dynamic and versatile duo are known for their interpretations of the classic repertoire and are champions of new compositions in the violin and piano genre.  Several pieces have been composed for the Duo Francois by some of the finest composers of the 21st century.

Their latest CD entitled "Mexico City Blues" featuring three commissioned works earned the Duo a silver medal in both the 'Duo' and 'Emerging Artist' categories at the Global Music Awards and also received regognition by the American Prize in the category of chamber music.

Since 2008, the Duo Francois has also provided masterclasses and lessons, nationally and internationally, to numerous prospective students, and many of these students have pursued graduate work at CSU as a result.

Graduate String Quartet Program

Prerequisites for Admission: Bachelor’s Degree in Music, variety of solo and chamber music repertoire.

Opportunities:

  • Assistance in developing artistic and business-related aspects for a successful quartet career
  • Participation in LEAP courses is encouraged
  • Seminar Topics Include:
    • Outreach Program Development
    • Creative Programming
    • Commissioning New Works
    • Arts Leadership & Administration
    • Chamber Music literature/Pedagogy
    • Supervised Coaching Experience

Students will be Involved in the Following:

  • Daily Rehearsal Time
  • Dedicated ensemble rehearsal space in our new state-of-the-art teaching and performance facility
  • Weekly Coaching

Additional Professional Work Available:

  • Opportunities with four professional symphonies in Northern Colorado
  • Teaching Opportunities
  • Chamber Music Performances

For more information, please contact Ron Francois.

CSU Music Information Request Form

  • Contact Information

  • Interests

    Would you like to request a complimentary lesson with the professor of your instrument/voice? You will be connected with the appropriate professor, who will be in touch to schedule the lesson (either in-person or virtually, depending on availability and coordination of schedules).