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.

Virtuoso Series Concert: The Mendelssohn Trio

February 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Beethoven Archduke and Dvořák Dumky The Mendelssohn Trio (Erik Peterson, violin, Barbara Thiem, cello, and Bryan Wallick, piano) performs two staples of the piano trio repertoire, Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental “Archduke” Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97 “Archduke Trio,” alongside Antonín Dvořák’s famous “Dumky” Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, B. [...]

Guest Artist Concert: Julyan-Short-Nez Trio / FREE

March 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The concert includes Clara Schumann's Piano Trio in G minor, op. 47 (1846), Ofer Ben-Amots' Bulgariana (2016), and Ketty Nez's trio in memory (2023). Robyn Julyan, violin, performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Singapore. Robyn has been on the string faculty at [...]

2024 Colorado Cello Intensive

July 27, 2025 - August 2, 2025 at 12:00 AM
The Colorado Cello Intensive program is designed to maximize technical, musical, and personal growth. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1, the Colorado Cello Intensive (CCI) is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. We believe in the work hard, play hard mentality and offer students an array of evening possibilities, including hiking, rock climbing, and a trip to Rocky Mountains National Park. Surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Fort Collins, Colorado, CCI is the ideal location to develop your playing this summer!

String News

Frangel Lopez Cesena pictured playing the violin

2017 Concerto Competition Review

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By McKenna Shuler, SMTD Publicity Intern The 2017 Concerto Competition, held in Feb., featured riveting music performed by three CSU Music student finalists – Joe Jones, Julius Hochmuth, and Frangel López Ceseña – and the CSU Sinfonia, conducted by Wes Kenney. Each performance was incredibly well-executed, but in the end it was Frangel who was […]

Dec. 2016 Music Faculty Notes

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What’s it like to be a professional clarinetist and clarinet professor at Colorado State University? Recently, Assistant Professor of Clarinet Wesley Ferreira wore a GoPro for an entire day, so now you can find out! From arriving at work and morning practice, rehearsing for the Faculty Chamber Ensemble concert, Graduate Clarinet Quartet coaching and other […]

Colorado State University Center for the Arts Exterior

May 2016 Faculty Notes

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Colorado State University retirees, as well as employees achieving a decade of service or more were honored at the annual Celebrate! CSU Milestones event on April 28, in the Lory Student Center Ballroom. Six School of Music, Theatre and Dance faculty and staff were honored for their years of service to CSU including Double Bass Professor […]

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 Margaret Miller.

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).