Study at University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts.
For legal reasons, I should probably state here that all of the information below is of my own personal view and not endorsed by any individual or institution other than myself.
Why UCF?
Even before my arrival in Orlando in August of 2019, I knew UCF was a special and unique place. The Southeast, especially Florida, has a long-standing tradition of strong music programs and a dedication to music education. UCF is located in the thriving international city of Orlando which is able to cater to anyone's taste, and is a cultural hub in which to immerse in study. Even with nearly 70,000 students enrolled at the university, every violin student receives an individual-focused education with a big-school feel.
Even before my arrival in Orlando in August of 2019, I knew UCF was a special and unique place. The Southeast, especially Florida, has a long-standing tradition of strong music programs and a dedication to music education. UCF is located in the thriving international city of Orlando which is able to cater to anyone's taste, and is a cultural hub in which to immerse in study. Even with nearly 70,000 students enrolled at the university, every violin student receives an individual-focused education with a big-school feel.
Why MUSIC at UCF?
This list could go on for a number of pages, so I'll just name some of my favorites here. One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to come to UCF is one you certainly will drawn by too: the faculty. Not only is there an unusually large number of full-time music faculty to nurture each student individually, they are also phenomenal performers and colleagues. "But I play the violin...I'm not sure that matters to me." Oh boy, yes it does! A school of music really does become like an extended family; you will interact and learn from many different teachers in many different settings during your college years. This could be the most important factor of your education! I encourage you to learn all about UCF's music faculty by clicking here.
UCF's SPA complex creates a real immersion and conservatory-like environment for music students. Meanwhile, all music majors (and minors) take liberal arts courses in other locations around campus for a serious and complete education. All of this combined with UCF's quite low tuition rate and scholarship opportunities make the School of Performing Arts a very attractive place for the serious violin student.
This list could go on for a number of pages, so I'll just name some of my favorites here. One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to come to UCF is one you certainly will drawn by too: the faculty. Not only is there an unusually large number of full-time music faculty to nurture each student individually, they are also phenomenal performers and colleagues. "But I play the violin...I'm not sure that matters to me." Oh boy, yes it does! A school of music really does become like an extended family; you will interact and learn from many different teachers in many different settings during your college years. This could be the most important factor of your education! I encourage you to learn all about UCF's music faculty by clicking here.
UCF's SPA complex creates a real immersion and conservatory-like environment for music students. Meanwhile, all music majors (and minors) take liberal arts courses in other locations around campus for a serious and complete education. All of this combined with UCF's quite low tuition rate and scholarship opportunities make the School of Performing Arts a very attractive place for the serious violin student.
What will I do?
As a violin student, there are a few different options, or paths, you can take. If you plan to major in music, UCF offers the Bachelor of Music in either Performance or Education, as well as Master of Arts with a curriculum geared towards performance. There are also possibilities to double-major with another or related field, the music minor, and simply taking lessons for elective credit.
Whatever your path, our time together is not limited to the standard 1-hour lesson each week. All violin students gather for additional weekly studio class and for the all-department String Seminar class. This is highly important as we develop performance habits and foster a sense of community within our part of the school. Education majors can also take High and Low Strings Techniques classes, as well as String Methods, which ensure even more interaction with the string faculty. Majors (and those with a music scholarship) will also play in the UCF Symphony which presents multiple concerts yearly around Orlando.
The string department also hosts many notable teachers and soloists to work with our students in formal and informal masterclasses and workshops.
UCF offers generous need-based and/or merit-based financial aid for undergraduates, as well as Graduate Assistantships (full tuition waiver plus about a $10,000/year cash salary) for qualified Master's students.
As a violin student, there are a few different options, or paths, you can take. If you plan to major in music, UCF offers the Bachelor of Music in either Performance or Education, as well as Master of Arts with a curriculum geared towards performance. There are also possibilities to double-major with another or related field, the music minor, and simply taking lessons for elective credit.
Whatever your path, our time together is not limited to the standard 1-hour lesson each week. All violin students gather for additional weekly studio class and for the all-department String Seminar class. This is highly important as we develop performance habits and foster a sense of community within our part of the school. Education majors can also take High and Low Strings Techniques classes, as well as String Methods, which ensure even more interaction with the string faculty. Majors (and those with a music scholarship) will also play in the UCF Symphony which presents multiple concerts yearly around Orlando.
The string department also hosts many notable teachers and soloists to work with our students in formal and informal masterclasses and workshops.
UCF offers generous need-based and/or merit-based financial aid for undergraduates, as well as Graduate Assistantships (full tuition waiver plus about a $10,000/year cash salary) for qualified Master's students.
But what else can I do?
One of the most important tasks I have as a teacher is to help you realize that your professional career as a musician begins the moment you walk through the door on the first day as a freshman. Orlando, and Florida in general, is an excellent place to build your resume while you are still in school so that when you graduate, you are a marketable candidate for work elsewhere.
All of my music major students will study orchestral excerpts at some point during their time at UCF according to their ability and progress. Why? Because there are innumerable paying professional orchestras in the state. Whether it's auditioning for a formal spot in one of them, or even for the substitute list, this is the perfect time to get your feet wet with taking auditions when there is nothing to lose. Heck, you might as well make some money while in school and building your resume.
"But I don't like playing: in orchestra...or weddings...or chamber music...or teaching...or {fill in the blank}..."
You will change. Period. At some point in your musical career, something will happen. Maybe it's just one small thing, maybe it's a complete turnaround. Your goals and your ambitions will shift somehow. When I was a freshman/sophomore undergrad, I didn't like playing chamber music. SACRILEGE you may say! Well, I now say that, too. In fact, playing chamber music has become one of my most favorite things in my career and now I even run a summer chamber music festival for students. If I hadn't been somewhat forced into it through school, I wouldn't have ever learned that...and I would have closed a door on income potential for the future, not to mention a giant hole in musical and personal fulfillment.
Beyond all of the musical opportunities in Florida, Orlando is a cool college town that isn't too big and isn't too small. There will always be something to do!
One of the most important tasks I have as a teacher is to help you realize that your professional career as a musician begins the moment you walk through the door on the first day as a freshman. Orlando, and Florida in general, is an excellent place to build your resume while you are still in school so that when you graduate, you are a marketable candidate for work elsewhere.
All of my music major students will study orchestral excerpts at some point during their time at UCF according to their ability and progress. Why? Because there are innumerable paying professional orchestras in the state. Whether it's auditioning for a formal spot in one of them, or even for the substitute list, this is the perfect time to get your feet wet with taking auditions when there is nothing to lose. Heck, you might as well make some money while in school and building your resume.
"But I don't like playing: in orchestra...or weddings...or chamber music...or teaching...or {fill in the blank}..."
You will change. Period. At some point in your musical career, something will happen. Maybe it's just one small thing, maybe it's a complete turnaround. Your goals and your ambitions will shift somehow. When I was a freshman/sophomore undergrad, I didn't like playing chamber music. SACRILEGE you may say! Well, I now say that, too. In fact, playing chamber music has become one of my most favorite things in my career and now I even run a summer chamber music festival for students. If I hadn't been somewhat forced into it through school, I wouldn't have ever learned that...and I would have closed a door on income potential for the future, not to mention a giant hole in musical and personal fulfillment.
Beyond all of the musical opportunities in Florida, Orlando is a cool college town that isn't too big and isn't too small. There will always be something to do!
I've got more questions.
Good. The more questions you have, the better we can find out if UCF is the right fit for you. So, email me (parents, too!) anytime at:
[email protected] or you can use the form on the Contact page of this website.
Also, you can find out much more about the music area here:
Good. The more questions you have, the better we can find out if UCF is the right fit for you. So, email me (parents, too!) anytime at:
[email protected] or you can use the form on the Contact page of this website.
Also, you can find out much more about the music area here: