String Studies

The String Program at Saint Mary's prepares students for graduate studies or careers in solo performance, chamber music, orchestra or music education.  String techniques and performance skills are developed in weekly lessons, monthly string seminars and frequent departmental recitals in the beautiful Figliulo Recital Hall, enhanced by regular participation in masterclasses, chamber music and Chamber Orchestra.   As a string major enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Performance degree program, students will be able to develop their knowledge and skills in string techniques, ensemble playing, string pedagogy and literature.

In addition to receiving coaching from internationally acclaimed faculty members and visiting artists, violin and viola majors study with artist-teacher, Dr. David Leung, a versatile concert violinist and orchestral conductor who teaches and performs extensively around the world as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, concertmaster and conductor.  Dr. Leung has worked with many world-class concert artists such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Arvine Arditti, Malcolm Bilson, Warren Jones, Mikhail Kopelman, Sir Neville Marriner and Pinchas Zukerman.  Dr. Leung’s upcoming engagements include concert tours to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Mainland China, Singapore, Colombia, France and Germany. 

Studio String Lessons (violin, viola, cello and double bass) focus on the development of proper string techniques, including correct and balanced postures of the body, effective use of fingers, hands and arms, accuracy of intonation, rhythm and tone production, and stylistic interpretation of works from various musical periods.   Weekly assignments are based on each student’s ability, potential and background.

In addition to individual lessons, string students are to attend a monthly String Studio Class in Saint Yon’s Rehearsal Room.   These classes feature a variety of student performances and critiques.  Special presentations or lectures will be presented occasionally by visiting artists.  Departmental Recitals in each semester provides opportunities for students to perform frequently.   Juries are required for majors, scheduled during the last week of school or early in the week of finals.

The String Program at Saint Mary's University emphasizes the great importance of chamber music and ensemble playing.   Students actively participate in chamber music groups and Chamber Orchestra.   Each semester there are numerous opportunities for the Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra and student chamber music groups to perform on campus and in various Minnesota communities.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is also the home of Saint Mary's Summer String Workshop - an innovative one-week summer workshop that provides extensive training on solo, chamber and orchestral repertoire, in addition to spiritual retreats led by the Christian Brothers in the Catholic Lasallian tradition.   Besides receiving musical training and spiritual nourishment, workshop participants enjoy international friendship, a wide range of outdoor activities at the beautiful Winona campus and world-class concerts at the dynamic Minnesota Beethoven Festival.  

For more details about the SMU String Program or Saint Mary's Summer String Workshop, please contact Dr. David Leung at cleung@smumn.edu