Rowan Music strengthens strings program with award-winning artist-in-residence, Sheila Browne

Internationally-recognized and award-winning violist Sheila Browne will join Rowan University’s College of Performing Arts this year as artist-in-residence. During her time with the Department of Music, Browne will lead masterclasses and give performances for students and the general public, beginning with a solo performance during the Rowan String Ensemble Concert on November 13. Rowan students will have the opportunity to work with Browne one-on-one throughout the academic year.

Known as a versatile and dynamic performer, Browne’s international career includes solo and chamber collaborations and concerto appearances and performances in major venues on six continents including the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. She was also the violist of the international prize-winning Arianna String Quartet and a founding member of the Fire Pink Trio. A dedicated teacher, Browne believes in a holistic approach to teaching, meeting students wherever they are in their development to give them the tools they need to problem solve on their own.

Dr. Timothy Schwarz, head of strings for Rowan, says Browne is one of the most well-known violists and viola teachers in the world. “She is one of those larger-than-life personalities whose entire life is dedicated to viola,” says Schwarz who works with Browne as part of the core faculty at the Techne Music Festival.  “Students have flocked from all over the world hoping for a chance to be in her studio, so this is a huge opportunity for our students.”

Schwarz and the entire music department continuously seek out opportunities and engagements that add value for Rowan music students and visiting musicians alike. Browne will host a one-hour masterclass for local high school students during Viola Day this coming March. In 2023, the department brought on Philadelphia Orchestra cellist, Udi Bar-David. In year two of his artist-in-residence run, Bar-David will visit area high schools, lead masterclasses for Rowan music students, collaborate with Rowan’s ensembles and continue coaching music students one-on-one.

“Rowan is a place where students can have meaningful interactions with world-renowned artists while getting a tremendous amount of attention from our incredible faculty,” added Schwarz.

For a complete list of upcoming performances from Rowan University's College of Performing Arts, visit cpa.rowan.edu/boxoffice. For more information about the music program, visit go.rowan.edu/music.