Strings
Strings Faculty
Andy Kozar, chair
Violin
Gabriela Diaz
Josh Henderson
Solomiya Ivakhiv
Mark Lakirovich
Paula Majerfeld
Jesse Mills
Karla Donehew Pérez
Alexander Velinzon
Anna Marie Williams
Viola
Sarah Darling
Ralph Farris
Mario Gotoh
Mark Lakirovich
Paula Majerfeld
Cello
Ole Akahoshi
Christine Lamprea
Mikhail Veselov
Double Bass
Pascale Delache-Feldman
Peter Seymour
Bebo Shiu
Guitar
Will Riley

“ I love teaching at Longy because our unique curriculum attracts really interesting, self-motivated students who are curious about creating a relevant career and sustainable living as musicians, even in a time when there are lots of challenges. It’s been inspiring to help students master the cello and watch as they gain perspective on the role of the musician today. ”
— Christine Lamprea
Program Highlights
Watch the Neave Trio, Alumni Artists and Ensemble-in-Residence, perform works by Cécile Chaminade
Our Strings Department faculty are active performers and dedicated teachers, encompassing a wide range of styles and repertoire, from early music to new compositions. We emphasize individual attention from faculty mentors, ensemble playing, small classes, cross-departmental collaboration, and frequent performance opportunities, to create a uniquely inspiring learning environment. Students will also have the opportunity to work with partners like A Far Cry, Horszowski Trio, Palaver Strings, or the Du Bois Orchestra.
Course Highlights
String Quartet Seminar: The Imperfect Story of the Perfect Instrument
Dive deep into string quartet repertoire in this hands-on performance lab. Survey the classics, work alongside Longy composers on custom pieces, and explore works by historically underrepresented composers and luminaries in the field.
Baroque String Playing for Modern Instrumentalists
Imagine yourself in 17th-Century Europe looking forward, rather than looking backwards. Through hands-on interaction with early instruments, study of treatises and source materials, and engagement with a significant selection of repertoire, broaden your knowledge and skillset with early music.
More Program Highlights
Studio Lessons: Collaboration with a faculty mentor is the cornerstone of conservatory education at Longy. Together you will explore your unique artistic and professional goals while expanding technical and musical insight.
Master Classes and Seminars: Through workshops, master classes, discussions, and presentations, weekly seminars offer insight regarding interpretation, repertoire, and performance practice. Through a special partnership with Celebrity Series of Boston, emerging artists in its Debut Series present exclusive workshops and master classes with Longy students throughout the year.
Chamber Music: Georges Longy’s belief in the power of collaboration inspires the central role of chamber music in our conservatory. You will work closely with faculty coaches every semester and explore ensemble playing through coursework, informal readings, and community outreach.
Pedagogy: We believe that teaching should be a form of heightened, enlivened communication. Rather than focusing solely on acquiring pedagogical skills, we seek to draw out your latent expertise and help you communicate authentically. Students are placed in partnering schools and youth music organizations for a teaching practicum.
Orchestra FLEX: Longy’s student-centric large ensemble re-imagines what a conservatory orchestral program can be. Watch the video above to learn more!
Teaching Artist Program: Required of all students, this two-semester program includes active learning experiences, discussions, foundational readings, and interactive presentations. It culminates in student-designed and student-led musical projects in various community venues throughout the Greater Boston area.
Ensemble Uncaged: Ensemble Uncaged is Longy’s premier contemporary music ensemble and is dedicated to performing music by established composers as well as emerging and underrepresented voices, expressing multiple perspectives. We honor the familiar, invite the unknown, and challenge the conceptual limits of concert music in the 21st century.
“My favorite job was probably being on the national tour of a Broadway production. I got to work with so many talented people! That year on tour reminded me not only of the joy of music in my life, but also the importance of bringing music to the lives of others. We also volunteered at local food pantries and elementary schools as we travelled.”
— Tyler James
Meet Tyler James, Cello MM '22
