Strings & Guitar 
The string program at Western offers private instruction and ensemble opportunities for both music majors and non-majors. Emphasis is on an individualized education in musicianship and technique with a distinguished faculty who have broad backgrounds in solo, chamber and orchestral performance. String students have extensive performing opportunities in orchestra, string chamber orchestra, chamber music, new music, and early music. Additionally, guests are regularly invited to give masterclasses and students have the year-round advantage of performances and coaching by the Faculty String Quartet.
Guitar students at Western have dedicated curricular offerings in Fretboard Harmony, Literature, and Guitar Ensemble as well as weekly applied lessons. Students are encouraged to participate in the annual Northwest Guitar Festival - hosted at Western in 1993, 1999 and 2006 - and have the advantage of concerts and masterclasses by numberous guest artists.
Request a string or guitar audition.
Once your form is received, you will be contacted to schedule your audition time.
Highlights
Masterclasses with guest artists such as:
- Paul Rosenthal (violin)
- Jaap Schroder (violin)
- David Updegraff (violin)
- Eric Wilson (cello)
- Owen Carman (cello)
- Pepe Romero (guitar)
Great performers in recital on campus:
- Kremlin Chamber Orchestra
- Guarneri Quartet
- The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
- Faculty String Quartet
Numberous Ensemble Opportunities:
- University Symphony Orchestra
- String Chamber Orchestra
- Chamber Music
- Contemporary Chamber Players
- Collegium Musicum
Faculty
Walter Schwede -- String Area Coordinator, Violin
Grant Donnellan -- Violin
Eric Kean -- Viola
John Friesen -- Cello
Ben Musa -- Double Bass
Jill Whitman -- Harp
David Feingold -- Department of Music Chair, Guitar Area Coordinator