Frost hires experienced violin professor

By Lawrence A. Johnson

Charles Castleman

Charles Castleman

The Frost School of Music has appointed Charles Castleman as its new professor of violin.

The 73-year-old teacher and violinist has taught at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester since 1975. He will join Frost on a part-time basis August 15 and as a full-time professor in the fall of 2015.

“The appointment of Charles Castleman is a watershed moment for the Frost School of Music,” said Dean Shelton G. Berg in a statement released by Frost. “He is one of the world’s greatest and most beloved mentors in music. Charles is an innovator and forward thinker, and he will contribute greatly to the paradigm-shifting curriculum and ideals of our school. We know that the world of music continues to expand, and we will nurture and inform the skill set that prepares our graduates for vibrant careers.”

“The leadership, history and location of the Frost School uniquely position it to find, educate and nourish young musicians of the highest achievement, endowed with the most extraordinary talent, from all the Americas,” said Castleman. “I am pleased and proud to be able to contribute to its future effectiveness and to add my input to its remarkably innovative thrust.”

As a performer, Castleman has recorded prolifically and championed new music. He gave the premiere of David Amram’s Violin Concerto and is the dedicatee of Christopher Rouse’s chamber work, Lares Hercii.

In addition to teaching private violin lessons at the Frost School and coaching Frost string quartets starting, Castleman will interact with all string musicians in the Frost Chamber Orchestra, Frost Symphony Orchestra, and the Frost School’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra through master classes and workshops. He will also work with the Frost School’s Experiential Music Curriculum, and help shape a new master’s degree in performance.

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Thu Jul 10, 2014
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