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| Degrees Available | About the
Strings Program | Strings Faculty |
Degrees Available
- Bachelor of Music in Performance
- Master of Music in Performance
- Master of Music in Performance and Literature
- Master of Music in Performance and String Pedagogy
- Master of Music Education and String Pedagogy
- Certificate in
Performance
- Doctor of Music in Performance
About the Strings Program
Northwestern University has assembled one of the finest string
faculties in the nation. Each teacher is recognized not only for
performing ability and scholarship but also for a love of  the
creative process that transforms a talented young instrumentalist
into an accomplished professional musician. The string faculty
values individuality, bringing out each student's unique musical
talent and creativity.
In addition to weekly lessons with faculty members, students gain valuable
performing experience by participating in weekly studio classes with faculty
and peers. String majors select from a wide variety of professional studies
courses, including a comprehensive program in string pedagogy, string orchestral
studies, lute and guitar history and literature, guitar pedagogy, harp orchestral
studies, and harp pedagogy. In addition to a bachelor of music, master of music,
certificate, and doctor of music degrees, the Bienen School of Music offers
students the opportunity to pursue double-degree programs with other schools
in the University.
All entering doctoral students receive the equivalent of full
tuition funding.
Ensembles
Ensemble participation is an integral part of string
study at Northwestern. String students participate in a variety of small and
large ensembles that help them acquire the skills necessary for success at
the professional level.
Orchestras
The Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra (NUCO) and the Northwestern
University Symphony Orchestra (NUSO) are administered by Victor Yampolsky,
director of orchestras. The Chamber Orchestra performs standard literature
of the 18th and 19th centuries as well as contemporary works written expressly
for chamber orchestra. The individual musical responsibility and preparation
required in a small ensemble are emphasized. The Symphony Orchestra, the Bienen
School of Music's premier orchestra, performs major literature from the 18th,
19th, and 20th centuries. Many NUSO members are already contenders for positions
in orchestras throughout the world.
Chamber Music
In addition to working individually with Bienen School faculty
members, string students perform chamber music under the direction of some
of the world's great chamber groups and coaches. Residencies and master classes
in chamber music have included the Vermeer, Borodin, Pacifica, Berlin, and
Chicago String Quartets as well as Earl Carlyss, Paul Katz, Arnold Steinhardt,
and Abram Loft.
Guitar Ensemble
Guitar students participate in the Northwestern University
Guitar Ensemble, which provides a context for developing skills relevant to
performing in both large and small ensembles. The Guitar Ensemble performs
on campus and at a variety of off-campus venues, including festivals, other
universities, and public schools. Guitarists may also participate in the Contemporary
Music Ensemble, the Early Music Ensemble, and chamber music and jazz ensembles.
Special Events and Opportunities
In addition to the required curriculum, string students at Northwestern benefit from a wide variety of concerts, master classes, and performance opportunities.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Civic Orchestra of Chicago Fellowships
Master
of music orchestral string performance applicants are eligible for this program.
Fellowships include full tuition and provide an exceptional opportunity for
students to play under some of the world's great conductors.
Guest Master Classes
Northwestern string students frequently
perform in master classes with such visiting artists as Anner Bylsma, Ruggiero
Ricci, Heinrich Schiff, Joseph Silverstein, Janos Starker, Glenn Dicterow,
Lynn Harrell, Robert Chen, Donald McInnes, and John Sharp.
Winter Chamber Music Festival
The Winter Chamber Music Festival
is a three-week chamber music series created by string faculty member Blair
Milton. It features outstanding Chicago-area musicians as well as renowned
artists from around the world. Past guest artists have included Daniel Barenboim,
Pinchas Zukerman, Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, Lynn Harrell, Janos Starker, and Menahem
Pressler. Segovia Classical Guitar Series Each year the Henry and Leigh Bienen
School of Music and the Chicago Classical Guitar Society present a roster of
internationally acclaimed artists in concerts and master classes. Guest performers
and teachers have included Julian Bream, Pepe Romero, Oscar Ghiglia, Eliot
Fisk, Manuel Barrueco, Sharon Isbin, Eduardo Fernandez, David Russell, Paul
O'Dette, Nigel North, and Paco Peña.
Contact for further information:
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Strings Faculty
Elizabeth Cifani
Senior Lecturer, Harp
e-cifani@northwestern.edu -
847-491-7228
MMus, Northwestern University
Principal harpist, Lyric Opera of Chicago. Active as soloist,
chamber musician, and recording studio musician, playing concert
harp, Irish clarséach, and double harp. Clinician in both classical
and folk styles. Studied with Jill Bailiff Reyes and Edward Druzinsky.
Robert Hanford
Lecturer, Strings
Biographical information to follow.
Hans Jørgen Jensen
Professor, Cello
h-jensen@northwestern.edu -
847-491-4770
Soloist diploma, Royal Academy of Music, Denmark
Faculty member, Meadowmount School of Music. Soloist with Copenhagen
Symphony, Danish Radio Orchestra, Irish Radio Orchestra, and Basel
Symphony Orchestra. Winner of Jacob Gades Prize, Danish Ministry
of Cultural Affairs Grant for Musicians, Copenhagen Music Critics
Prize of Honor, and Artist International Competition in New York.
Named outstanding Studio Teacher of the Year by Illinois chapter,
American String Teachers Association; recipient, U.S. Presidential
Scholar Teacher Recognition Award, U.S. Department of Education.
Students have won prizes in numerous national and international
competitions. Studied at the Juilliard School with Leonard Rose
and Channing Robbins. Private studies and master classes with Pierre
Fournier.
Peter Lloyd
Lecturer, Double Bass
p-lloyd@northwestern.edu -
847-491-7609
BMus, Curtis Institute
Former principal bass of the Minnesota Orchestra (1986-2007)
and section bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Chamber music performances
with members of the Budapest, Guarneri, Emerson, Juilliard and
Orion string quartets and guest artist with the Chamber Music Society
of Lincoln Center, BargeMusic, and the Boston Chamber Music Society.
Recordings on RCA, EMI, Sony, Telarc, Virgin Classical, BIS, and
Reference Recordings. Has been a visiting teacher at the Marlboro
School of Music and at virtually all of the leading music schools
in the United States. Regularly serves as coach for the New York
String Orchestra and as a visiting teacher for the New World Symphony.
Blair Milton
Assistant Professor, Violin
bmilton@northwestern.edu -
847-491-7228
MMus, Indiana University
Member, Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1975-present); founding member,
Evanston Chamber Ensemble. Soloist with Chicago Symphony Orchestra
(conducted by Sir Georg Solti), Chicago String Ensemble, Kingston
Symphony, Montreal Chamber Orchestra. Chamber performances with
Ravinia Festival, Aspen Festival, and Chicago Symphony Allied Arts
Series at Orchestra Hall and with Yo-Yo Ma, Pinchas Zukerman, and
Daniel Barenboim. Has given master classes at universities in the
United States, Canada, Japan, and Germany. Director, string program,
National High School Music Institute, Northwestern University.
Originated Northwestern's Winter Chamber Music Festival. Studied
with Josef Gingold at Indiana University and with Ivan Galamian
Gerardo Ribeiro
Professor, Violin
g-ribeiro@northwestern.edu -
847-491-4778
Coordinator, Strings. Soloist diploma, Lucerne Music Conservatory.
2001 recipient, Presidential Excellence in Teaching Award. Distinguished
solo and chamber music performer and winner of numerous worldwide
prizes. Soloist with Philadelphia Orchestra, Montreal Symphony
Orchestra, Orchestre Radio-Télévision Français, Radio Orchestra
Berlin. Solo recording artist for EMI and RCA. Artistic director,
International Institute for Chamber Music, Munich. Member of the
Meadowmount Piano Trio. Faculty member, Meadowmount School of Music.
Former faculty member, Eastman School of Music. Studied at the
Juilliard School with Ivan Galamian, Felix Galimir, and Paul Makanowitzky.
Almita Vamos
Professor, Violin
a-vamos@northwestern.edu -
847-491-4774
MA, Western Illinois University
Recent Activity
Six-time recipient, Presidential Excellence in Teaching Award.
Winner, Distinguished Service Award, American String Teachers Association;
named Distinguished Teacher by National Endowment for the Arts.
Winner, Chautauqua Award and Concert Artists Guild Award. Faculty
member, Music Institute of Chicago. Former faculty member, Western
Illinois University, University of Minnesota, and Oberlin Conservatory.
Cofounder, Weathersfield Summer Music Festival. Students have won
top prizes in numerous international competitions. Studied with
Mischa Mischakoff and Louis Persinger at the Juilliard School.
Roland Vamos
Professor, Viola and Violin
r-vamos@northwestern.edu -
847-491-3826
DMusA, Juilliard School
Former member, Houston and Dallas Symphony Orchestras, Radio City
Music Hall Orchestra, Contemporary String Quartet. Recordings on
Rizzoli and Atlantic labels. Active as performer and conductor;
adjudicator at national and international competitions. Faculty
member, Music Institute of Chicago. Former faculty member, Western
Illinois University and University of Minnesota. Cofounder, Weathersfield
Summer Music Festival. Winner, Distinguished Teacher in the Arts
Award, American String Teachers Association. Students have won
top prizes in numerous international competitions. Studied with
Oscar Shumsky and William Lincer.
Anne Waller
Senior Lecturer, Guitar
a-waller@northwestern.edu -
847-491-4768
MMus, Southern Methodist University
Recent Activity
Performer as soloist and member of Waller and Maxwell Guitar Duo
in concerts and festivals throughout the United States and Europe.
Live broadcasts on commercial and public radio and television.
Has conducted master classes at universities and festivals throughout
North America. Performer in master classes with Andrés Segovia,
Oscar Ghiglia, and José Tomás. Studied with Robert Guthrie and
Oscar Ghiglia.
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