UCF Violin StudioThe information on this page reflects my own perspective as a violin professor at UCF
|
Why UCF?
With nearly 70,000 students, UCF offers the resources and energy of one of the nation’s largest universities while still allowing violin students to receive highly individualized attention. Located in Orlando—a vibrant international city with a strong performing arts community—the university provides an exciting environment in which to study, perform, and begin building a professional life in music.
The combination of a major research university, a close-knit violin studio, and the cultural and professional opportunities of Central Florida gives students the best of both worlds.
With nearly 70,000 students, UCF offers the resources and energy of one of the nation’s largest universities while still allowing violin students to receive highly individualized attention. Located in Orlando—a vibrant international city with a strong performing arts community—the university provides an exciting environment in which to study, perform, and begin building a professional life in music.
The combination of a major research university, a close-knit violin studio, and the cultural and professional opportunities of Central Florida gives students the best of both worlds.
Why Music at UCF?
One of UCF’s greatest strengths is its faculty. Music students work with a large and accomplished group of full-time artist-teachers, creating an environment in which students are known individually and learn from many different faculty members throughout their degree.
The School of Performing Arts offers a focused, conservatory-like atmosphere within the resources of a major university. Music students spend much of their time studying and performing together while also benefiting from the broader academic opportunities available across campus.
Combined with strong performance opportunities, scholarships, and the professional possibilities of the Orlando area, UCF offers an unusually well-rounded environment for serious music students.
One of UCF’s greatest strengths is its faculty. Music students work with a large and accomplished group of full-time artist-teachers, creating an environment in which students are known individually and learn from many different faculty members throughout their degree.
The School of Performing Arts offers a focused, conservatory-like atmosphere within the resources of a major university. Music students spend much of their time studying and performing together while also benefiting from the broader academic opportunities available across campus.
Combined with strong performance opportunities, scholarships, and the professional possibilities of the Orlando area, UCF offers an unusually well-rounded environment for serious music students.
What will I do?
Violin students at UCF can pursue four degree paths: the Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Master of Arts in Music. Students may also combine music with another field through a double major, allowing them to build a course of study that reflects multiple academic and professional interests.
Our work together extends beyond the weekly private lesson. Violin students meet regularly in studio class and participate in String Seminar, creating additional opportunities for performance, feedback, and collaboration. Music Education students also take courses in string techniques and methods, providing further contact with the string faculty.
Music majors and scholarship students perform with the UCF Symphony Orchestra, which presents concerts throughout the academic year, and in chamber music, contemporary ensembles, and other groups. The string area also regularly welcomes distinguished guest artists and teachers for masterclasses, workshops, and other events.
UCF offers merit- and need-based financial aid for undergraduate students, as well as graduate assistantship opportunities for qualified master’s students.
Violin students at UCF can pursue four degree paths: the Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Master of Arts in Music. Students may also combine music with another field through a double major, allowing them to build a course of study that reflects multiple academic and professional interests.
Our work together extends beyond the weekly private lesson. Violin students meet regularly in studio class and participate in String Seminar, creating additional opportunities for performance, feedback, and collaboration. Music Education students also take courses in string techniques and methods, providing further contact with the string faculty.
Music majors and scholarship students perform with the UCF Symphony Orchestra, which presents concerts throughout the academic year, and in chamber music, contemporary ensembles, and other groups. The string area also regularly welcomes distinguished guest artists and teachers for masterclasses, workshops, and other events.
UCF offers merit- and need-based financial aid for undergraduate students, as well as graduate assistantship opportunities for qualified master’s students.
|
OPUS Scholars
OPUS Scholars is open to African American and Latinx graduate string students.
Graduate violinists may also be eligible for UCF’s OPUS Scholars program, a partnership between the UCF School of Performing Arts and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The program combines graduate study with professional orchestral experience, arts-administration training, and individualized mentoring designed to help students build a broad and sustainable career in music.
​
OPUS Scholars is currently recruiting its next cohort for Fall 2027. Selected students receive a graduate assistantship that currently includes a $16,000 nine-month stipend plus tuition waiver and health insurance for each of two years of study.
|
|
But what else can I do?
One of the most important things I tell students is that a professional career begins long before graduation. Orlando—and Florida more broadly—offers many opportunities to gain real experience while still in school, whether through performing, teaching, freelancing, or auditioning for professional ensembles.
Music majors will study orchestral excerpts during their time at UCF as their playing develops. The goal is not simply to prepare for future auditions, but to become comfortable with the process while the stakes are relatively low. Florida has a large number of professional orchestras and freelance opportunities, making it possible for motivated students to begin building both experience and a résumé before they graduate.
I also encourage students to stay open-minded about the kinds of work they may eventually enjoy. Interests change. Mine certainly did. As an undergraduate, chamber music was not something I particularly loved; it later became one of the most rewarding parts of my professional life. College is the time to discover new strengths, try unfamiliar things, and avoid closing doors too early.
The broader Orlando area also offers a great deal beyond music, making UCF an exciting place to spend your college years.
One of the most important things I tell students is that a professional career begins long before graduation. Orlando—and Florida more broadly—offers many opportunities to gain real experience while still in school, whether through performing, teaching, freelancing, or auditioning for professional ensembles.
Music majors will study orchestral excerpts during their time at UCF as their playing develops. The goal is not simply to prepare for future auditions, but to become comfortable with the process while the stakes are relatively low. Florida has a large number of professional orchestras and freelance opportunities, making it possible for motivated students to begin building both experience and a résumé before they graduate.
I also encourage students to stay open-minded about the kinds of work they may eventually enjoy. Interests change. Mine certainly did. As an undergraduate, chamber music was not something I particularly loved; it later became one of the most rewarding parts of my professional life. College is the time to discover new strengths, try unfamiliar things, and avoid closing doors too early.
The broader Orlando area also offers a great deal beyond music, making UCF an exciting place to spend your college years.
I've got more questions.
Good. Choosing which college and teacher to audition for is a big decision, and questions are encouraged. Prospective students and parents are welcome to contact me directly to learn more about violin study at UCF, the audition process, scholarships, or arranging a visit.
Email: ross {dot} winter {at} ucf {dot} edu
You can also learn more about the School of Performing Arts through the UCF website below:
Good. Choosing which college and teacher to audition for is a big decision, and questions are encouraged. Prospective students and parents are welcome to contact me directly to learn more about violin study at UCF, the audition process, scholarships, or arranging a visit.
Email: ross {dot} winter {at} ucf {dot} edu
You can also learn more about the School of Performing Arts through the UCF website below: