The Pittsburg State University String Division offers violinists, violists, cellists and bass players a wealth of performance, learning and teaching opportunities. Specialists of international reputation, through individualized instruction and coaching of the great chamber music and orchestral literature, provide the well-rounded background that students need to compete in today's musical world. Many performance and teaching opportunities exist for the student at Pittsburg State University. Through teacher training, university students who qualify are given the opportunity to earn lesson fees by teaching younger string players. A wide variety of solo, orchestral and chamber music performance experiences also await the student. Pittsburg State University's Department of Music has a long and rich tradition and today, many of our former string students occupy important positions as performers and educators throughout the country.
Pittsburg State University's program of applied lessons is custom tailored to suit the individual student needs and abilities. Instruction includes the basic fundamentals of performing and interpreting musical styles and notations. Private lessons are offered to help the student acquire the necessary skills and competencies to meet today's professional demands of teaching and performing.
One of the performance opportunities students in the string division have is the Southeast Kansas Symphony. This orchestra offers students the vital opportunity to experience great music. Student performers, who are the heart of this orchestra, are augmented by experienced faculty and community players. This faculty participation allows the students to sit side-by-side with seasoned professionals. The result is a greater understanding of the music and enhanced skills.
An added bonus for the students is the opportunity to accompany internationally acclaimed soloists who frequently perform with the orchestra. In recent years, those soloists have included Thomas Stacey, English horn player from the New York Philharmonic; Patricia McCarty, assistant principal violist with the Boston Symphony; and Yfrah Neaman, head of advanced solo studies at the Guildhall School of Music And Drama in London. These visiting celebrities conduct workshops in which they critique the students' performances and provide encouragement and interpretive insight that provide additional motivation and learning opportunities for the young musicians. Under the direction of Raúl Antonio Munguía, the Southeast Kansas Symphony continues to grow and mature. The season includes four concerts with music ranging from the 17th through the 20th centuries and features the classics to pops. In one of these concerts, winners of the PSU Concerto and Aria Competition appear as soloists with the orchestra.
Chamber Music Ensembles are a vital part of the musical growth of the student performer. The in-depth study of great chamber music literature and special performance opportunities are provided under the guidance of members of the Pittsburg State University String Faculty.
Qualified students may apply and audition for Music Department Scholarships. Students may also wish to audition for a special Waddill String Scholarship and perform in the Waddill chamber Music Ensembles. The scholarships were donated by Mrs. Jackie Waddill of Bartlesville, OK, and her late husband, Paul Waddill, who was an engineer at the Phillips Petroleum Company. All students from neighboring and nearby states can attend Pittsburg State University at our low in-state tuition using the Gorilla Advantage program.
The University administers a major financial aid program that includes other scholarships, grants, and loans. To audition for one of these prestigious scholarships, contact one of the faculty below.
For additional information, contact us or call (620) 235-4466.