Music
About Our String Studios
The CWU string program provides a supportive yet challenging environment in which students can develop as artists. Traditional participation in string quartets, piano trios, symphonic and chamber orchestras, as well as solo playing is supplemented with mariachi and jazz ensembles; improvisation; newly composed works; and innovative events that incorporate music in the fabric of everyday life of the community.
A relaxed and fluid technique is considered a necessary preliminary to expressive musicianship; students maintain a rigorous practice ethic, working to develop technical mastery of their instrument. They are guided in the search to find their own musical voice and to become comfortable expressing themselves in performance situations. CWU's string studios provide students with immersive study, lessons, weekly studio classes (some additionally hold supplemental technique classes), and multiple performance opportunities including string studio recitals. Kairos, the resident chamber music ensemble, and additional faculty provide regular coachings to chamber ensembles; some of these ensembles have gone on to place in national competitions. [Maybe Nik can come up with a compelling sentence for the orchestra here.]
Particularly through our community outreach programs, students gain practical experience in using music to better our world.
Why Study Strings at CWU
There are numerous performance opportunities with the string studio at Central:
- Vibrant, support string community and bustling music department
- Engaged, acclaimed and experienced string faculty
- Weekly string studio classes, lessons (some studios have a supplemental weekly techniques class)
- Performance opportunities that include quarterly String Studio Recitals and department-wide Convocations
- C. Farrell Fine Arts & Research Scholarship support special projects with full-tuition and stipends
- Concerto/Aria Competition where students win the opportunity to solo with the CWU Symphony Orchestra.
- Sponsored community events with Classics in Ellensburg
- String community projects: These performance presentation projects helps students develop verbal communication skills, offer community service, and practice adapting to different types of audiences.
- Extracurricular opportunities including regional symphonies; the Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA), an after-school music program promoting social change through music; and local gigs.
Studios and Audition Requirements
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Bass Studio
Overview
The mission of the CWU Strings program is to provide a supportive yet challenging environment in which students can develop as artists. Join the bass studio to participate in numerous performance groups and as a soloist. Bring music to the forefront of your education and hone your expressiveness, practice ethic, technical mastery, and musical voice.
Experiences
Through community outreach programs, students gain practical experience in using music to better our world. Become part of a musical community where your individual gifts are valued and you are supported through work with faculty and peers.
Audition Information
In order to study Bass at CWU, you must first audition for the music faculty. Visit our Bass Audition Requirements page for specific information on the audition process. Transfer students should visit our Transfer Student Information for Music Majors page for important transfer student considerations.
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Cello Studio
Overview
Study cello at CWU and gain foundational technical knowledge while building your performance skills. Join a supportive and challenging community of creatives for immersive study, weekly lessons, and varied performance opportunities. Take advantage of community outreach programs that inspire you to connect your art with your actions. Watch yourself grow artistically on your musical and academic journey as you prepare for a career in music.
Experiences
Developing expressive musicianship, technical knowledge, and a strong practice ethic are cornerstones of the cello studio experience. In addition to lessons and coursework, you will also be able to participate in string quartets, piano trios, symphonic and chamber orchestras, as well as numerous solo opportunities. You will also have first-hand access to the Central Cello Celebration, the biennial summit of Northwest cellists.
Audition Information
In order to study Cello at CWU, you must first audition for the music faculty. Visit our Cello Audition Requirements page for specific information on the audition process. Transfers students should visit our Transfer Student Information for Music Majors page for important transfer student considerations.
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Viola Studio
Overview
The viola studio at Central Washington University combines practical application with creative enrichment. Are you looking for a supportive yet challenging program of study that pushes you to create healthy practice habits, pursue technical mastery, and discover your own musical voice? Look no further than CWU for a community oriented individualized approach to studying your instrument.
Experiences
You will be afforded numerous opportunities to become comfortable expressing yourself in performance situations. CWU's viola studio provides students with immersive study, weekly lessons and multiple performance opportunities throughout the academic year. You will gain valuable practice bringing your music to enthusiastic audiences and will have the chance to consider the importance of your art in ‘real world’ settings. Join a renowned group of faculty and peers on a creative journey you will never forget.
Audition Information
In order to study Viola at CWU, you must first audition for the music faculty. Visit our Viola Audition Requirements page for specific information on the audition process. Transfer students should visit our Transfer Student Information for Music Majors page for important transfer student considerations.
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Violin Studio
Overview
Central Washington University offers a violin studio that will speak not only to your academic needs, but your creative pursuits as well. Take advantage of a supportive yet challenging environment to refine your technical, practical, and musical skills. With a focus on cultivating a healthy practice ethic and a focus on immersive study, violin at CWU brings together the freedom to push musical boundaries with the structure of foundational learning.
Experiences
Strings students at Central receive numerous performance opportunities spanning string quartets, piano trios, symphonic and chamber orchestras, as well as numerous solo experiences. You will be encouraged to take part in frequent performance settings in order to gain confidence on stage.
Audition Information
In order to study Violin at CWU, you must first audition for the music faculty. Visit our Violin Audition Requirements page for specific information on the audition process. Transfer students should visit our Transfer Student Information for Music Majors page for important transfer student considerations.
Degrees Offered
Questions? Contact us.
Carrie Rehkopf
Professor of Violin
Phone: 509-963-1216
Email: Carrie.Rehkopf@cwu.edu
Dr. Michelle Rahn
Lecturer of Viola
Phone: 509-963-1216
Email: Michelle.Rahn@cwu.edu
John Michel
Professor of Music Cello
Phone: 509-963-1216
Email: John.Michel@cwu.edu
Thomas Hawthorne
Lecturer of Double Bass
Phone: 509-963-1216
Email: Thomas.Hawthorne@cwu.edu
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