2019–20 CATS Master Classes

All CATS events have free admission. Additional artist-teachers will be added as their master classes are scheduled.

Master Class – James Dunham, chamber music

James Dunham was the violist of the Grammy-winning Cleveland Quartet and founding violist of the Naumburg Award-winning Sequoia Quartet. He collaborates with the American, Jupiter, Pacifica and Takács Quartets, and is violist of the Axelrod Quartet, in residence at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Thursday, October 10, 2 p.m. 
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission to observe

Master Class – James Dunham, viola

Friday, October 11, 2 p.m. 
Williams Recital Salon
Free admission to observe

Master Class – Sheryl Staples, violin

Violinist Sheryl Staples joined the New York Philharmonic as Principal Associate Concertmaster, The Elizabeth G. Beinecke Chair, in September 1998. She made her solo debut with the Philharmonic in 1999 performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, led by Kurt Masur.

Thursday, October 24, 6 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission to observe

Master Class – Danish String Quartet

The Danish String Quartet is at the core of the classical music world. On a daily basis, they delve into works by great masters such as Beethoven and Mozart, but also play the occasional folk music gig. Over the years they have been fortunate to study in many different places, in masterclasses with renowned teachers and have had opportunities to perform in major concert halls across the world.

Monday, February 3, 12 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission to observe

Master Class – Kathleen Winkler, violin

The artistry of Kathleen Winkler has earned her the plaudits of critics and audiences alike worldwide since her solo debut at the age of seventeen with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Friday, February 21, 1 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission to observe

Master Class –  Timothy Pitts, double bass 

Timothy Pitts has distinguished himself as one of the most versatile double bassists of his generation. As a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, he has performed in many of the world’s greatest concert halls.

Friday, February 21, 1 p.m.
Room 140
Free admission to observe

Master Class – Richard L. Aaron, cello

Richard L. Aaron presently serves as professor of cello at the University of Michigan, The Juilliard School and The Robert McDuffie Center for Strings. Previously he taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory.

Thursday, March 5, 2 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission to observe

Scale Class – Richard L. Aaron, cello

Thursday, March 5, 5 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission 

Master Class – Alan Rafferty, cello

Alan Rafferty is rapidly gaining recognition as a preeminent musician and master teacher.  In demand as a clinician around the world, Mr. Rafferty has presented Master Classes at numerous schools including the Cleveland Institute of Music, Northwestern University and Depaul University, and has been a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra since 2007.

Thursday, April 16, 2 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission to observe

Chamber Music Class – Alan Rafferty, cello

Friday, April 17, 1 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission 

Music Class – James Stern, violin

James Stern is a multi-faceted musician whose violin playing has been heard worldwide and cited by the Washington Post for “virtuosity and penetrating intelligence.” He has performed at the Marlboro, Ravinia, Banff and Bowdoin festivals as well as at New York’s Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall. 

Friday, May 1, 2:30 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission

Master Class – Masumi Per Rostad, viola

The Grammy Award-winning violist Masumi Per Rostad of the Pacifica Quartet, has received praise for his rich and expressive tone, energy, and commanding presence, and has been described by critics as an “electrifying, poetic and sensitive musician.” In addition to performing, Rostad teaches and has contributed to online and print publications.

Thursday, May 21, 2 p.m.
Hamilton Recital Hall
Free admission to observe