Northwestern University has long been known as one of the premier institutions in the country, and the music program is highly considered and competitive among the nation's top music schools.

More specifically, our viola studio was selected by The Strad magazine as one of the most sought after programs in the world. With the possibility of pursuing a dual degree, double major, or other undergraduate qualifications in collaboration with Northwestern's other well-known schools, a number of our bright music students study multiple subjects. Our undergraduate dual-degree program is somewhat unique in the U.S.: there are no other schools with a top-ranked music program that also promote and support this kind of academically curious student. 50% of our undergraduate class are double majors, so you will be in an environment surrounded by smart, ambitious, interested students who love music and succeed at the highest levels on their instrument. Being a double-major does not mean we are any less demanding of our music students, however; many have gone on to leading positions in major orchestras, teaching positions, and performance careers.

Our graduate students come to us from The Juilliard School, CIM, Eastman, Oberlin, Rutgers, Rice, NEC, Indiana University, and schools overseas. With our excellent and demanding ensembles, including the Contemporary and Baroque music ensembles and Symphony and Chamber orchestras, there is a strong focus on all kinds of music making. The Bienen School has close associations with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and some of its members teach our orchestral viola excerpts classes. There are a number of great performance series at NU that bring in famed artists for students to meet and work with. Recent guests who have worked with our students include James Dunham (Rice), Roberto Díaz (Curtis), Jeffrey Irvine (CIM), and more. Our string program has renowned pedagogical and performance faculty to help make your own chamber music experience enjoyable and rewarding, and we also have the Dover String Quartet in residence, which recently won the Banff Competition. The Bienen School also provides opportunities with its Concerto Competition and Thaviu Strings Competition.

Here are some other outstanding aspects of our viola program:

1. Weekly studio class in one of our main performance venues
2. Weekly studio technique class taught by my teaching assistant; the class covers the One-Step Scale System, as well as other scales and mechanical methods (mainly for freshmen and sophomores).
3. Once-per-quarter public scales and sight-reading exams
4. The NU Viola Studio Competition, in which a famed violist, composer, or other leading figure comes to adjudicate a set work. The winner receives prestige and numerous prizes.
5. Collaborative arts classes provide a pianist for each student to work with for lessons, rehearsals, and studio classes. Pianists include graduate students and excellent outside staff.
6. A competitive studio of 18 total students
7. Mock professional orchestra auditions
8. A Teaching Assistant who is available in-between lessons with me to assist with your development, and a Graduate Assistant available for administrative support
9. Top-of-the-line, studio-owned video and audio equipment for all your recording needs (recitals, masterclasses, auditions, studio class performances)
10. A viola mentorship program, in which graduate students work with a small number of students in smaller classes with additional opportunities to perform and work on techniques

None of my graduate assistants replace any lesson with me; each student receives 10 lessons per quarter. If you have questions about my teaching philosophy or style, I am happy to connect you with a current student. You are also welcome to visit my website to learn more about my career as it relates to your study. My work as a recording artist, international performer, teacher and provider of over 100 masterclasses at major schools all over the world, and author (technique book, articles for publications including The Strad and Strings, online blogs such as violinchannel.com) are some of what I draw upon in my teaching. I often demonstrate in lessons, and can speak to onstage experiences with regards to preparation and performance. We often discuss the other various aspects that can comprise a career in music as well.

I hope that is a good start for your research! Should you want to, you can also read more about me on my Facebook page and website linked below. You might also like to take a look at the master class I gave at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and there are plenty of other videos available on YouTube and my website.

We also have a viola studio website, nuviolastudio.com, where you can find information about the Bienen School, auditions, the viola program, facilities, and links.