Strings

The strings program at the University of Washington prepares students for professional careers as solo, chamber, or large ensemble performers and as educators. The program emphasizes mastery of performance techniques in specific instruments of focus.

Performance degree options for strings players at both the undergraduate and graduate levels prepare students in the UW Strings program for professional careers as solo, chamber, or large ensemble performers and as educators. 

Esteemed Faculty

Faculty in the program include internationally noted chamber musicians and current and former symphony principals with a wealth of experience in the professional arena. Areas of interest and research for faculty in the program include orchestral repertoire, improvisation, new music, strings pedagogy, and chamber music.

Performance Opportunities

Strings students at the University of Washington find numerous opportunities to engage in a lively musical community at school and throughout the city. The School’s scholars and musicians represent a vast range of musical interests across the span of time from early music to the present, resulting in a rich array of intriguing possibilities for musical exploration. 

Opportunities for performance include participation in the UW symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, and various other chamber groups. The School hosts an annual Concerto Competition for orchestral soloists as well as a chamber music competition that each year identifies an official School of Music chamber ensemble to represent the school at high-profile events on and off campus.

Visiting Artists

The School of Music regularly hosts master classes by renowned visiting artists, both concert performers and educators, who share insights and performance tips with student strings players. Some recent guest artists have included Gil Shaham, Garth Knox, Atar Arad, Xavier Phillips, and others. 

Non-Major Instrumental Lessons

Students who are not majoring in music but who are interested in taking private instrumental lessons with faculty are welcome to audition! Non-major lessons auditions occur in September, January, and February each year for admission into a faculty studio beginning Fall term. More audition information can be found on the Audition Dates page. Lessons are offered on a space-available basis in faculty studios and occur weekly over the course of the academic year. If admitted to private lessons, students will be given a faculty code to register for the appropriate MUSICP course number. In addition to tuition, non-major lessons require a $500 course lesson fee. 

Student Support

In addition to student support distributed by the University of Washington’s financial aid office, the School of Music distributes more than a half million dollars annually in merit- and need-based student support. Graduate teaching assistantships are highly competitive and are granted in all areas of study.  

HOW TO APPLY

For more information, contact SoMadmit@uw.edu