Dr. Derek Voigt Music

Author of the works: “Playing the Violin: A Pedagogical Analysis of Violin Technique and Performance Practice,” the Comprehensive String Series: “Early Success,” and the forthcoming work “Rememberization,” Dr. Derek Voigt is an internationally-acclaimed violinist and pedagogue. He is currently the Director of String Music at Chatfield College near Cincinnati, Ohio. An experienced performer, Derek performs frequently in solo recitals, including performances in Paris, France, Alba and Barolo, Italy, a unique solo performance in the New York City Italian Consulate with an Italian Chamber Orchestra produced by the United Nations, and performances in several other locations throughout the US.

Dr. Voigt has taught several master classes, including one at Bowling Green State University, and is scheduled to teach another in New York State. He has performed in master classes with Christopher Hogwood, Charles Castleman, Elmar Oliveira, and Janet Sung. He began his violin studies at age 3, studying with Dmitry Gerikh. He studied Violin Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) with Dr. Piotr Milewski, Kurt Sassmannshaus, and Giora Schmidt, and at the Ithaca College School of Music with Susan Waterbury. Derek received his Doctorate from CCM. When not performing solo repertoire, Derek can be found performing chamber and orchestral repertoire.

Derek has performed with professional orchestras and opera companies such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, the Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra, where he served as the orchestra's Concertmaster, and the Cincinnati Chamber Opera, where he served as Principal Second Violin. Derek has served as concertmaster for numerous other ensembles, including the Grassroots Festival Chamber Orchestra in Ithaca, New York, the Voices Multi-Cultural Chorus’ Orchestra, and the New Violin Family Orchestra.

An Early Music enthusiast, Derek has played Baroque Violin in Cornell University's Early Music Ensemble, Les Petits Violons. In this ensemble, he worked closely with great musicians like Neal Zaslaw and Christopher Hogwood. He currently owns an unconverted violin made in the early 1700’s. Derek is also interested in 'new' instruments. He has played Soprano Violin in the New Violin Family Orchestra. This instrument is smaller than a typical Violin and is tuned a fourth higher (C-G-D-A). It can be thought of as an octave above a viola. It produces a very unique sound and allows for some very high notes. Derek also owns a unique Piccolo Violin. This instrument is tuned an octave higher a traditional violin (G-D-A-E). This instrument can be used to perform traditional violin repertoire at a very high pitch.

In 2010, Dr. Voigt founded the Tompkins County Youth Orchestra in Ithaca, NY, and served as its Executive Director. Since Derek's departure from Ithaca, the group changed to become the Ithaca Youth Orchestra.

In 2008, Dr. Voigt founded the 501-(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, The Violin Player. The organization advances music education by providing quality musical instruments, as well as other educational resources, to schools and individuals in Ohio and New York. Please see: www.TheViolinPlayer.org

Dr. Voigt holds teaching certifications in multiple states and is accepting students of all levels and ages. He is flexible with his schedule and will do everything he can to accommodate any special accommodations his students may require. Dr. Voigt is also comfortable and experienced with remote (video) learning.