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: Faculty Chamber Music

April 22, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Join the CSU Music Faculty for a concert featuring the works of Johannes Brahms, Henri Dutilleux, Melanie Bonis, and Valerie Coleman. The concert includes CSU faculty artists Ron Francois, violin; Margaret Miller, viola; Romina Monsanto, cello; Bryan Wallick, piano; Ysmael Reyes, flute; Cayla Bellamy, bassoon; Megan Lanz, flute; Copper Ferreira, clarinet; Jooyeon Chang, piano; Tiffany [...]

String Chamber Music Concert / FREE

April 28, 2024 at 7:30 PM
The string area invites you to attend the spring concert of undergraduate and graduate students performing works from the extensive chamber music canon. String professors include Ron Francois, violin, Margaret Miller, viola, Romina Monsanto, cello, and Dr. Forest Greenough, double bass.

Graduate String Quartet

April 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Come join the Graduate Quartet for a program of the only string quartet by Maurice Ravel, and the first of Ludwig van Beethoven's late quartets.  

String News

Wes Kenney pictured conducting

Music: Symphony starts semester with acclaimed cellist

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From the Rocky Mountain Collegian 09.23.2010 by Anna Baldwin The Rocky Mountain Collegian One of the largest student string sections to ever perform at CSU will take the stage Thursday and Friday night at 7:30 p.m. For the first performance this semester, The University Symphony Orchestra will be accompanied by artist-in-residence and CSU teacher Barbara […]

Will Schwartz Promotional Photo

Will Schwartz, emeritus of the Dept. of Music passed away Aug. 27, 2010

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Update: A musical tribute to Wilfred Schwartz will take on Sunday, September 19, 2 p.m., Griffin Concert Hall at the University Center for the Arts. Tickets are FREE, but a ticket is required. Click here to make your reservations. Original Post: Colorado State University and the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance mourn the passing […]

Department of Music, Theatre & Dance Professors Receive 2010 Best Teacher Awards

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Colorado State University will honor the 2010 Best Teacher Award recipients during a reception at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8, in the Lory Student Center North Ballroom. The Colorado State University Alumni Association and its affiliate student group, the Student Alumni Connection, recognize outstanding Colorado State University educators each year with Best Teacher Awards. “The […]

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.