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.

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.  

Music at the Museum Concert Series: Music and Art Graduate Collaboration

May 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM
The series explores the cross-fertilization of music and the visual arts through concerts in the galleries. Performances by Colorado State Music faculty and students are enriched with context provided by faculty from the Department of Art and Art History and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. The series is organized by Dr. Nicole Asel, [...]

String News

Rachel Waddell headshot

Announcing Dr. Rachel Waddell as the new director of orchestras at CSU

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The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is thrilled to introduce Dr. Rachel Waddell as the next conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra and director of orchestras at Colorado State University. Dr. Waddell comes to CSU from the University of Rochester where she has served as the director of orchestral activities. She is the co-founder […]

Margaret Miller Playing Viola Promotional Photo

Viola Professor Margaret Miller works with high school students across the state

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If you are a viola student or string instructor in the state of Colorado, chances are you’ve worked with CSU viola professor, Margaret Miller. Each year, the long-time senior instructor of music coaches and adjudicates at various conferences, academies, masterclasses, and camps across the Front Range. Here are some of Ms. Miller’s recent appearances: Jan. […]

Wes Kenny and USO students

Orchestra Alumni invited to play with the CSU symphony to celebrate Maestro Kenney’s retirement

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Dear CSU Symphony, Sinfonia and Opera Orchestra alumni, It is my hope that you have continued to use the skills learned through the repertoire and ensemble playing you experienced at CSU. When I began my tenure at CSU’s School of Music, Theater, and Dance twenty years ago, it was my hope that we could build […]

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.