Why choose the string program at Cal State Fullerton?
About The CSUF Strings area
The birthplace of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, the CSUF School of Music has a longstanding commitment to the study of string instruments. The string program at California State University, Fullerton offers a variety of opportunities for the developing string student at the bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced certificate level.
Students thrive in an environment large enough to engage in challenging, vital music-making, but intimate enough for specialized individual attention. Moreover, students receive a specialized yet comprehensive education while participating in numerous chamber ensembles and the University Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of Prof. Kimo Furumoto, the University Symphony Orchestra produces several performances each year and collaborates with university choruses, Opera Theatre, CSUF faculty-artists, internationally renowned guest artists, and local performing arts groups.
Master classes have been offered regularly by artists in the region and by internationally acclaimed performers. These artists have included: Almita Vamos, Kathleen Winkler, Jorja Fleezanis, Glenn Dicterow, Ben Sung, Andrew Duckles, Paul Coletti, Matt Haimovitz, and Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi. Sessions have also been held with members of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
State-funded lessons are available as are a variety of scholarships. Graduates from the program have been accepted into prestigious graduate programs at the Manhattan School of Music, the Peabody Institute of Music, the Cincinnati Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, the San Francisco Conservatory, and the Juilliard School. Currently, graduates of the string program are active in both educational and professional settings throughout Southern California.
The CSUF Experience As A Strings Music Major
As well as enrolling in core academic music courses such as music theory and history, string students in the School of Music at California State University, Fullerton receive weekly lessons as part of their course of study. In addition, they participate in the University Symphony Orchestra, as well as various chamber ensembles each semester for which they receive weekly lessons with string area faculty.
Additional performance coursework is offered in the form of workshops/studio class, cello choir, and technic classes (e.g. Topics in Violin Playing). Moreover, string students are given the opportunity to perform in and observe the many guest artist master classes that take place during the year. Additional performance opportunities include: the Tuesday Matinee concerts at CSUF, “What makes it great” at the Cerritos Arts Center, and additional performances arranged according to request from external sources.
A unique experience offered to CSUF string students is the week-long Talich Quartet residency. Students receive lessons from the quartet, hear their annual concert, and perform major string orchestra repertory in concert alongside members of the quartet.
CSUF Strings Alumni Spotlight
Kiana Umalie Garvey, Violin---BM--- California State University, Fullerton; MM---Boston Conservatory at Berklee; Post Graduate Diploma---Royal Northern College of Music; Currently, Instrumental Ambassador: Benedetti Foundation
Being part of the Cal State Fullerton School of Music encouraged me to delve deeper into my potential, and brought me closer to a vibrant community of students and professors. The various performances, alongside engaging curriculum, provided me opportunities to grow as an orchestral musician, as well as a communicative collaborator. The skills and confidence I developed at the school aided me in exploring opportunities both out-of-state and abroad, widening my worldview more than I thought possible at the start of my studies.
Isaac Visoutsy, Violin---BM---California State University, Fullerton; MM---in progress UCLA; Orchestral Minority Equity Fellowship Candidate, Cincinnati Symphony
Offering diverse and abundant opportunities, Cal State Fullerton played a pivotal role in shaping my career in music. The learning environment at CSUF nurtured my ambitions as a teacher, artist, and scholar. With support from esteemed faculty and driven peers my time there was transformative. I will always be grateful for the lessons and the memories that Cal State Fullerton provided me.
Kristina Tsnova, Violin—BM---New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria; MM---University of California, Santa Barbara; Artist Diploma--- California State University, Fullerton; Currently, Violin Section, Sofia Philharmonic
I really value the time I spent at CSUF’s School of Music. I felt privileged to receive the guidance and support of Dr. Ernest Salem which I consider a major contribution to my musical development. I also had the opportunity to join the Symphony Orchestra as concertmaster for various programs including opera premieres and doing so enriched my experience as a performer. The weekly lessons, chamber music coachings, regular masterclasses and performances helped me greatly in my career as a successful orchestra player and musician.
Esra lrena Arin, Viola---BM--- Dokuz Eylul University State Conservatory; MM—California State University Fullerton; Artist Diploma—California State University, Fullerton; Currently, freelance artist in California and New Mexico
As an international student, I've felt truly at home in the School of Music. The teachers are incredibly responsive and approachable, always willing to discuss any challenges I faced. Their support made it easy for me to connect and thrive in this new environment, creating a sense of community that I deeply appreciated.
Kevin Mills, Cello---BM—California State University, Fullerton; MM—Juilliard School. Currently, freelance artist in California and Oregon. Cello sabbatical replacement, California State University, Fullerton.
My time at CSUF was the pinnacle of my foundation as an artist. In my years there, I was able to have a completely well-rounded education in classical music; everything from solo repertoire with my private teacher Bongshin Ko, chamber music, and symphonic concerts. But perhaps the most important aspect was being surrounded by other musicians in other departments, like the choir and wind ensemble. Being inspired by other mediums only helped me grow as a cellist and made me want to be better!
String Area Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is required for the audition?
A. Please visit
the School of Music website for complete audition requirements.
All students wishing to study strings at Cal State Fullerton must audition. Both scholarship and regular auditions for incoming students are scheduled in the spring of each year. Students who hope to begin study in a spring semester may make special arrangements for an audition through the area coordinator.
Q. Can I have a sample lesson with the appropriate professor?
A. Please contact
the string area coordinator for a referral to the appropriate teacher. The area coordinator will then put you in contact with the correct professor.
Q. What scholarships are offered, how much, and how are they determined?
A. A variety of scholarships are offered from partial fees up to full fees. All scholarships are merit based which is determined at the School of Music entrance/scholarship auditions.
Q. What are the performance opportunities for string players?
A. Performance opportunities include: workshops/studio class, cello choir, and technic classes (e.g. Topics in Violin Playing), guest artist master classes, Tuesday Matinee concerts at CSUF, “What makes it great” at the Cerritos Arts Center, Talich Quartet Residency Orchestral Concert, and additional performances arranged according to request from external sources.
Q. What classes will I take as a string major?
A. As well as enrolling in core academic music courses such as music theory and history, string students in the School of Music at California State University, Fullerton receive weekly lessons as part of their course of study. In addition, they participate in the University Symphony Orchestra, as well as various chamber ensembles each semester for which they receive weekly lessons with string area faculty.
Additional performance coursework is offered in the form of workshops/studio class, cello choir, and technic classes (e.g. Topics in Violin Playing).
Q. Are lessons a part of my study?
A. Yes, and they are state-funded which means there is no additional cost for enrolling in lessons. Q. Is chamber music a part of my studies? A. Yes, 4 semesters required for performance majors and 2 semesters required for education majors.
Q. What are recent graduates doing in the field of music? A. Please see string area alumni spotlights. Q. Will I be able to get a job when I graduate?
A. Although string area faculty cannot predict the future, many string area graduates are active in the field teaching, performing, and doing a combination of the two. Others who are currently employed have branched out into development and arts management.
Why choose the string program at CSUF?
The string program at California State University, Fullerton offers a variety of opportunities for the developing string student at both the bachelor’s and master’s level. Students receive a specialized yet comprehensive education while participating in numerous chamber ensembles and the University Orchestra at California State University, Fullerton.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ernest Salem
Area Coordinator – CSUF String program
Guest Artists, Masterclasses and Residencies
Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi
Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, is one of the most notable musicians of his generation and respected mentors of cello performance. After performing with the Cello Choir he provided a masterclass to Cal State Fullerton cello students.
Talich Quartet Residency
Talich Quartet Residency
The Talich Quartet takes to the stage and classroom in a week-long residency at Cal State Fullerton. Along with two performances, the Quartet works with music students in rehearsals, individual lessons and sit side-by-side in performance with Jan Talich, artistic director of the Talich Quartet, conducting.
Ben Ullery
Assistant Principal Violist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic,
Ben Ullery works with Cal State Fullerton viola students during a masterclass.
Glenn Dicterow
Faculty Chamber Music Series
Featuring Glenn Dicterow, violin
Aimée Kreston
University Symphony Orchestra
with Guest concertmaster, Aimée Kreston
Faculty
UNIVERSITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Kimo Furumoto is the Orchestra Director at California State University, Fullerton. He is also Music director and Conductor of the Huntington Symphony Orchestra (West Virginia) as well as the Whittier Regional Symphony. His guest conducting appearances have taken him throughout the United States and Europe with many stellar orchestras. Previous positions include music director of the Concert Orchestra at the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music, conducting assistant with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and assistant conductor of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. He has worked with noted conductors such as Leonard Bernstein and Robert Shaw. Furumoto holds degrees in conducting from Chapman University and the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music. His recent ballet "The Mandarin Ducks" has been enthusiastically received by audiences.
VIOLIN
Violinist and professor Ernest Salem maintains a busy schedule giving recitals and concerts across the United States, in Europe and South America. Formerly concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony, he is also active as a freelance musician in the Los Angeles area, having performed with the Los Angeles Master Chorale Orchestra, Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra, Long Beach Symphony, Asia American Orchestra and South Coast Symphony. In demand as a presenter, he’s offered master classes at universities, colleges and art schools throughout the United States. Dr. Salem holds degrees from Michigan State University, the University of Houston and the University of Minnesota. Included among his teachers are Yfrah Neaman, Fredell Lack and members of the Juilliard Quartet. Dr. Salem is also published in the American String Teachers’ Journal and the Long Island Historical Journal.
CELLO
Hailed by critics for her “most perfect playing” (Internet Cello Society) with “great warmth and beauty” (The STRAD), cellist Bongshin Ko has appeared worldwide as a soloist with such groups as Television and Radio Symphony of Moscow, Munich Chamber Players, the KBS Korean Broadcasting Symphony, Zagreb Philharmonic, and Central Broadcasting Symphony of China to name a few. Ms. Ko was the first Korean artist to be invited to perform in China after the historic resumption of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China, and has since been invited back annually.
Ms. Ko has collaborated with some of the world’s greatest artists including Mstislav Rostropovich, Bernard Greenhouse, Sir Georg Solti, Leonard Stein, Gunther Schuller, Semyon Bychkov and Valery Gergiev. She appeared at Seoul International Music Festival to give the Asian premiere of Bernard Rands’ Cello Concerto, dedicated to and world premiered by Mstislav Rostropovich in celebration of his 70th birthday. Other international music events and festivals welcomed her to Schleswig-Holstein festival, Kronberg Cello festival, Hoertnagel Konzertdirekzion, Berlin Wall 10th anniversary concert, Rostropovich & Friends Concert (Germany), American Cello Congresses, Kumho Guest Artist Recital, plus numerous others in France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Luxembourg, Poland, Russia, Monaco, Croatia, USA, Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
She has performed to critical acclaims on NDR and Bayerischer Rundfunk (Germany), Fuji TV (Japan), TV New Zealand, TV China, Korean Broadcasting Systems and NBC. As a member of the European-based Tritton Cello Quartet she can be heard on the Musica Columna label. Her live performances of Brahms and Barber sonatas are often broadcast on the Arte TV in Korea and over the transpacific in-flight classical station on Asiana Airlines. Ms. Ko’s Haydn and Saint-Saens concerti, recorded with Munich Chamber Players in Germany, can also be heard on the SONY Classical label.
As a recipient of over 30 international prizes and awards, including the highest performance award in her native Korea and the Crossroad Award in the US for her “superior teaching,” she is on popular demand as a teacher as well as a performer around the globe. Prestigious schools where she taught special guest master classes include The Juilliard School, Mannheim Musikhochschule, Korean National University of Arts, Nürnberg School for Music, and Bejing Central Conservatory. Serving as Professor of Cello and Vice Director at Cal State University Fullerton School of Music she is also active in supporting young talents and promoting cello art through Greenhouse Foundation & Festival, which she founded together with the late legendary cellist Bernard Greenhouse in 2008. As a leading member of The New York Soloists and New York Public Library Concert Series Ms. Ko performs frequently at major venues and concert halls throughout five continents.
VIOLA
Jonah Sirota
(contact Dr. Salem )
Violist, composer, and producer Jonah Sirota is equally at home scoring and recording music for film, TV, and video games, writing concert music, and performing as a soloist and chamber musician. He has released two solo albums, Strong Sad and Storylander, featuring both his own music and world premiere recordings of new works by Nico Muhly, Paola Prestini, and many others. Jonah performed a solo concerto debut on viola at the age of 17, in a Lincoln Center performance conducted by Alan Gilbert. Since then, he has had many concerto performances, including the Houston premiere of the Penderecki viola concerto and the Nebraska premiere of the John Harbison concerto. In 2006, he was awarded third prize at the Naumburg International Viola Competition (a contest that has only happened three times in the history of the organization). Jonah was the violist of the recently-disbanded Chiara String Quartet for all of its 18 years. With the Chiara Quartet, he toured internationally, recorded seven albums (one of which garnered a Grammy nomination), premiered over 30 works, and played in numerous major venues worldwide. He is sought after as a Hollywood session player, maintains an active performance schedule with several chamber music groups in the Los Angeles area, and regularly plays with major orchestras, including the Santa Monica Symphony, where he serves as Principal Viola, and the Long Beach Symphony, where he is Assistant Principal Viola. As a composer, Jonah has a multi-faceted and burgeoning career. A 2022 fellow in the Sundance Film Music Intensive, his soundtrack for the NPR web documentary “Return of the American Bison” was nominated for a regional Emmy award in 2019. His first full-length feature film as composer, The Grand Strand, will be hitting film festivals in the summer of 2024, while his piano trio Dry Ocean was premiered in the spring of 2023 by the Grammy-nominated Neave Trio. He has played on numerous projects including as violist and arranger for Lindsay Marcus’ score to the 2021 Oscar-winning animated short If Anything Happens I Love You…, and major cinematic releases including Avatar: The Way of Water, Oppenheimer, and The Mandalorian. He teaches at the Colburn School, Cal State University, Fullerton and the Greenwood Music Camp, and gives viola and composition masterclasses and residencies across the country. He resides in South Pasadena, CA
DOUBLE BASS
Bassist BRIAN JOHNSON joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in November 2013, at the invitation of Music Director Gustavo Dudamel. Prior to joining the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Brian was a member of the Oregon Symphony from 2011-2013 and the Kansas City Symphony from 2010-2011. Brian has also performed with the National Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, and the Nashville Symphony. Brian graduated from the Indiana University School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2008 and from the Rice University School of Music with a Master of Music degree in 2010. His primary teachers were Bruce Bransby, Timothy Pitts, and Christopher Hanulik.
Brian spent six summers as a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado from 2007-2012. Born and raised in Oregon, Brian graduated from the Grammy-honored Sprague High School. In his free time Brian enjoys staying active hiking, snowboarding and golfing.
