Viola Fest
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Spartan Viola Fest is a one-day event welcoming talented high school violists from across the region. Led by MSU faculty and Detroit Symphony Orchestra violists Eric Nowlin and Mike Chen, participants enjoy masterclasses, lectures, technique sessions, ensemble readings, performances, and social activities—all offering an inside look at college-level music studies and community.
Registration due by October 12, 2026
MSU Viola Fest Faculty
Schedule and workshops
There are five workshops and a masterclass available:
Throughout the day, participants will take part in engaging workshops, hands-on masterclasses, and collaborative performance experiences. Sessions led by MSU faculty Eric Nowlin, Mike Chen, and Jean Lee cover topics ranging from technique and ensemble skills to shifting strategies and teaching beginners. Mini lessons and a final Viola Choir performance cap off a full and immersive day of music-making and discovery.
Please note:
- Review the schedule and times below
- For students who sign up for a mini lesson, it is first-come first-served.
- Students who sign up for workshops may only choose one within the same hour.
- Students taking a lesson during part of a workshop hour can still sign up for a workshop and attend when not in the lesson.
2026 Viola Fest Schedule
| Time and Music Building Location | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Music Building Foyer | Check-in Refreshments are available in Music Building Atrium |
| 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Music Building Atrium | Welcome and Tour of the College of Music |
| 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Murray Hall | Workshop 1 Tips for improving vibrato with Eric Nowlin |
| 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Cook Recital Hall | Workshop 2 Techniques for crafting a beautiful sound with Mike Chen. |
| 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. Landon Hall | Lunch Meet in Music Atrium and walk as a group to Landon. |
| 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. Cook Recital Hall | Masterclass with Eric Nowlin |
| 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. Murray Hall | Workshop 3 Improving intonation with Mike Chen. |
| 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Murray Hall | Workshop 4 TBD |
| 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Murray Hall | Viola Choir Rehearsal |
| 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. Murray Hall | Viola Choir Performance This is an informal concert. No need to change your attire. Please stay after for group photos! |
| 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. locations as assigned | Mini Lessons If we were able to accommodate your request for a mini lesson, you were sent a time and location. |
Program Cost
Participation fee is $10.00. There is no fee for accompanying guardians/parents.
Lunch
Participants and guests are welcome to join us for lunch at Landon Hall by purchasing a lunch ticket in advance for the discounted group rate of $13.50 each. Tickets can be purchased online when paying the participation fee. More details during the registration process. Tickets may be purchased at the door (card only) but will not be available at the discounted rate. Only those with a ticket can enter Landon Hall. Those who bring their own lunch or wish not to dine at all, will not be allowed entry to Landon Hall.
Location
All events take place in the Music Building, conveniently located on West Circle Drive in North Campus: 333 West Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824
Except for handicapped spaces, parking restrictions are not enforced on the weekends (unless otherwise noted). There are spaces directly in front of the Music Building and on the northern side of West Circle Drive. If no spaces are available, the Visitor lot near Spartan Stadium south of the river is also available. Review the MSU Interactive Map for parking options (lot 62 is the closest public lot).
Questions?
Please contact Ben Ebener by email or phone (517) 432-4373 with questions.