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Giving & Alumni
College of Music
Giving & Alumni
College of Music
Degree Areas
Degree Areas

STRINGS

Areas
Ensembles

ABOUT THE STRING AREA

Students in the string area at MSU benefit from individualized attention from world-renowned faculty, extensive teaching, and performance opportunities. As part of their professional and academic development, students collaborate with peers, faculty, and guest musicians and entrepreneurs who participate in regular artist residencies on campus.

String majors attend weekly studio classes covering solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire, alongside private lessons and master classes from guest artists. They can audition for MSU symphony and concert orchestras, chamber ensembles, and regional professional orchestras.

The program’s collaborative and supportive environment, led by expert faculty, fosters excellence. Successful applicants are automatically considered for competitive scholarships, and graduate applicants are eligible for assistantships and fellowships without needing a supplemental application.

Degree Opportunities and Requirements
Students focusing on disciplines within the String Area have a variety of degree opportunities to choose from.
Performance Opportunities
Students in the strings area have extensive opportunities to develop their skills through various groups and ensembles.
After Graduation
A very high percentage of our string graduates win positions with orchestras nationally and internationally.
Dorothy DeLay Masterclass Series
This masterclass series brings string students and the general public together with virtuosos, maestros and educators to explore technique, repertoire, and reflect on life as an artist.

Faculty

Suren Bagratuni Suren Bagratuni
Professor of Cello and Chair of the String Area
Dmitri Berlinsky Dmitri Berlinsky
Professor of Violin
Kevin Brown Kevin Brown
Assistant Professor of Double Bass
Mike Chen Mike Chen
Assistant Professor of Viola
Yvonne Lam Yvonne Lam
Associate Professor of Violin
Eric Nowlin Eric Nowlin
Assistant Professor of Viola
Juan Riveros Juan Riveros
Instructor of Harp
I-Fu Wang I-Fu Wang
Associate Professor of Violin

Featured News

Deep Dive: Exploring Bagratuni’s Latest Album with Kim
February 6, 2026

Celebrated cellist Suren Bagratuni has released his newest album, Three Cello Sonatas: Strauss, Franck, and Chopin, a beautiful interpretation of sonatas he recorded with pianist Soojin Kim.

Violin professor shapes global musical talent
December 11, 2025

Dmitri Berlinsky, an internationally recognized violinist, has spent the last 25 years mentoring aspiring musicians in the MSU College of Music.

A Celebration of Joy and Unity this Holiday Season
November 14, 2025

MSU choirs and orchestra present Alegría Navideña at Wharton Center

Esteemed violinist Dmitri Berlinsky leads The Four Seasons
October 23, 2025

Amid fall colors, MSU’s West Circle Series opens with a vivid musical journey inspired by the changing seasons.

MSU Hosts the Dynamic Contemporary Sounds of American Modern Ensemble
October 1, 2025

Acclaimed guest ensemble in residence opens 2025–26 MSUFCU Showcase Series.

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Upcoming Events

Thursday, March 26, 2026
Erinys Quartet
7:30 pm
Cook Recital Hall
Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series

Known for their bold artistry and global presence, the Erinys Quartet makes their MSU debut with a dynamic program of Bartók, Smith, and Beethoven, showcasing the ensemble’s expressive range and deep musical connection.

Event Details
$$$
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Sensory Friendly Spartan Concert
10:00 am
Other
MSU Small Ensembles

All are welcome to this inclusive chamber concert tailored for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, featuring interactive music activities, audience mobility, noise-making, and a quiet room for comfort.

Event Details
Free
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Concert Orchestra, “Making Herstory”
7:30 pm
Wharton Center
MSU Orchestras

Making Herstory, conducted by Katherine Kilburn with conductors Zongheng Zhang and Dan Jaggars, showcases inspiring music by women composers including Tower, Bonds, and Garrop, alongside a premiere by the Jere Hutcheson Composition Competition winner.

Event Details
$$$
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Symphony Orchestra, “Rhythms in Motion: A Celebration of Dance”
7:30 pm
Wharton Center
MSU Orchestras

Conducted by Octavio Más-Arocas, the MSU Symphony Orchestra closes the season with an energetic program featuring Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier Suite, Contreras’s Mariachitlán, Simon’s Hellfighters’ Blues, Ravel’s Boléro, and a student-composed Sam and Mary Austin Fanfare.

Event Details
$$$
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