Seth Van Embden - Viola And Violin Teacher

Seth Van Embden - Viola And Violin Teacher

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www.sethvanembden.com

Most recently named a 2020 Britten–Pears Young Artist by the Snape-Maltings Festival in the UK, violist Seth Van Embden is based in Chicago where he is a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and as a regular substitute for the Milwaukee Symphony. Seth enjoys an active freelance career playing in the Northbrook and Oistrakh Symphonies, recording sessions, and chamber groups. Seth is also a founding member of the early music group Ensemble Affect.

Seth received his Masters degree from Northwestern University as the recipient of the Charlotte Kickhaefer Davis and Ernest Davis Endowed Fellowship, studying with the renowned British viola soloist Helen Callus. His previous studies consist of a dual degree in viola performance and music education from Rutgers University under the tutelage of Philadelphia Orchestra principal violist CJ Chang.

Seth has performed in solo, orchestral, and chamber settings all over the world including in Italy, the United Kingdom, and China, and is an active recitalist performing programs for solo and accompanied viola in both Chicago and his native New Jersey.

Seth is an enthusiastic performer of baroque and early music and has had the privilege to perform in summer engagements including the Dartington Music Festival and Berwick Academy of the Oregon Bach Festival. He was most recently featured as a guest soloist with the Bourbon Baroque Ensemble of Louisville, Kentucky and has enjoyed founding and directing “Ensemble Affect,” in Chicago. The group puts on concerts that make early music accessible, affordable, and approachable.

Before his relocation to Chicago, Seth taught in the public-school system as an elementary orchestra director in Princeton, New Jersey and served on the pre-college faculty for the Mason Gross School of the Arts. He is now on faculty as an adjunct professor of violin and viola at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois.

My favorite part of teaching is making a difference in someone's life, whether it's just helping someone reach a goal or going the extra mile and helping to craft a complete, soulful human being. Music has a very special way of being able to teach us about much more than just rhythms and melodies, and I absolutely love finding that specifically in each individual student.


Highlights

Hired 2 times
1 employee
12 years in business
Serves Chicago , IL

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    Frequently asked questions

    Any new student will begin with an introductory lesson to establish what the course of lessons will entail. We'll work together to determine your goals and playing level.

    To read students' reviews and testimonials about lessons with me, feel free to check out the lessons page of my website at www.sethvanembden.com/lessons!

    I was trained not only in music performance but also in education, and worked as a public elementary school music director in Princeton, NJ. I loved my students and felt so grateful to be teaching in such a high-achieving district.

    Here in Chicago I am priveleged to have a wide variety of students, from beginner violinists to college-level viola players. My teaching is influenced by my musical and pedagogic mentors including Shinichi Suzuki, Helen Callus, and CJ Chang.

    Lessons are $65 an hour. Travel incurs an additional $10 fee per lesson.

    I first began teaching lessons all the way back in highschool, when I helped create an after-school club to learn string instruments. I soon learned teaching was a calling of mine and ended up studying to become a teacher in college.

    I've been lucky to work with students at all ages and all levels. I have had many adult students who play very well just looking to continue their studies for fun, teens working towards regional auditions or futures in music, and even beginners from the age of three. I specialize in bringing students up to speed to be proficient in technique and develop their musicality.

    Do not be afraid to try out teachers, and do not think your level of playing prohibits you from studying with any teacher. It is so important to find a teacher who works well with your personality and who you feel comfortable learning from, but also a teacher who has enough knowledge and experience to be able to bring you a long way from your current level of prowess.

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    Services offered

    Violin