Viola Studies
The Penn State viola studio is made up of violists from a wide variety of musical and cultural backgrounds and with diverse musical and professional goals. Undergraduate and graduate students, viola majors, minors, and non-majors from all over the country and across the world work together in a supportive environment with a shared commitment to becoming the best violists they can be.
Our graduates have gone on to teach in public schools and higher education, build private studios, perform in professional orchestras, and work as administrators in the professional and academic musical worlds. They also serve as orchestral librarians, luthiers, and instrument dealers, or have created their own niche as entrepreneurs in contemporary music, chamber music, or community music programs. Many have received scholarships and assistantships to continue their graduate studies at top music schools and conservatories, while others have built lives in which they simply enjoy playing the viola as very happy amateurs.
All viola majors receive a weekly one-hour lesson with Professor Deighton and participate in a weekly viola studio class. Other opportunities to build a comprehensive understanding of our instrument include classes in orchestral excerpts, viola literature, and viola pedagogy. The Penn State Viola Society regularly hosts distinguished guest artists, who perform and present master classes. Ensemble offerings for violists include three orchestras, a baroque ensemble, chamber music, and the Penn State Viola Ensemble.
Although each viola student comes to Penn State with their own specific set of musical and technical challenges, all work together in an inspiring and encouraging atmosphere to develop the skills that enable them to play with confidence and comfort and to express themselves freely. Regardless of degree path, the aim of every student is to build the abilities to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and to enjoy and share music-making.
We encourage you to visit our campus and meet Professor Deighton for a free lesson and to discuss how Penn State might be the right place for you to achieve your goals. While here, you may wish to check out our excellent facilities, observe a rehearsal or a performance, and perhaps meet with current members of the viola studio. For more information about the Penn State Viola Studio, please visit http://pennstateviola.weebly.com/
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