Strings

SJSU School of Music and Dance's String Program is home to some of the finest artist/teachers in the country, all of whom are active performing musicians with extensive experience in the music performance and teaching disciplines. The University Symphony Orchestra performs professional level works and presents a minimum four full-length concerts each year. The Symphony Orchestra collaborates regularly with the vocal area to produce fully staged operas and choral masterworks. Vocal and instrumental students may also participate in our annual Concerto-Aria Competition for the opportunity to perform as soloists with the University Symphony Orchestra. In addition to these large ensemble opportunities, many of our string players are active chamber music participants, receiving weekly coachings and performance opportunities. Students may also participate in early music performance with the University Collegium.

• Bachelor of Music in Performance
• Bachelor of Music in Music Education
• Bachelor of Music in Composition
• Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Music
• Masters of Music (Various Specialties)
• Music Minor

Motoko Toba
Violin
motoko.toba@sjsu.edu

Michael Dahlberg
Cello
mike.dahlberg@sjsu.edu

Bruce Moyer
Double Bass
408-924-4668
bruce.moyer@sjsu.edu
MUS 102

Dr. Fred Cohen
Director, School of Music and Dance; Orchestra
408-924-4677
fred.cohen@sjsu.edu

Steven Lin
Classical Guitar
408-924-4333
steven.lin@sjsu.edu
MUS 201

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Guitar

• How can I contact a member of the string faculty?

  • All members of the string faculty may be contacted by e-mail or through the Music Office to set up an introductory lesson.

• Are Private Lessons Open to Non-Music Majors?

  • Private applied lessons are currently available only to music majors. Music minors may take private lessons only by permission of the Director of the School of Music and Dance.

• Do I Need to be a Music Major to Perform in a String Ensemble?

  • No, all ensembles are open to majors and non-majors by audition.

• Are There Scholarships Available?

  • Yes. Awards are based upon performance level and the specific needs of the School. Scholarship auditions are held three times annually on campus. Students who live beyond 250 miles from San José may submit a recording for consideration. Contact musicdancerecruitment@sjsu.edu or the Recruitment Office at 408- 924-1377 for information.

• When Should I Apply for Admission into the Program?

  • Apply to the University as early as possible during the fall semester of your last year in high school or junior college, then contact the Music Office to set up an audition or a scholarship audition.

• Can Anyone Be a Music Major?

  • All students must audition for placement in the BA program and for acceptance into the BM and MM programs. Most music majors already have had extensive experience in their chosen area of music.