Master class coaching by guest artists has been part of Hoff-Barthelson’s curriculum since the School’s founding in 1944. This distinguished tradition continues this season with a roster of world-class musicians and educators.

Master classes are an enlightening experience for students and audiences alike. After months of careful preparation, students perform for and then receive feedback and guidance from a master teacher who challenges the student to think in new and critical ways about the piece they’ve prepared. The results are inspiring and serve as a catalyst for students to reach new heights in their own musical explorations. Yet the learning isn’t limited just to the students who perform. In point of fact, any student—regardless of their level of development or whether or not they even play the same instrument—can learn a great deal.

Master Classes are open to the public to observe free of charge, but reservations are required.

RSVP here.

View flyer here.

Renowned cellist Hai-Ye Ni, Principal Cellist of The Philadelphia Orchestra since 2006, began her illustrious career as Associate Principal Cellist with the New York Philharmonic. Her ascent to prominence was catalyzed by winning the Naumburg International Cello Competition in 1991 followed by triumphs at the 1996 International Paulo Cello Competition in Finland and the 2001 Avery Fisher Career Grant.

In the summer of 2023, Ms. Ni delivered captivating performances at the Sarasota Music Festival in Florida, Chamber Music Dolomiti in Italy, and a recital at the New England Conservatory. Upcoming engagements include a performance with the Apollo Orchestra in Washington, DC. She made her solo debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2010, expanding her repertoire to include works by Tan Dun, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Beethoven.

As a soloist, Ms. Ni has graced prestigious ensembles and symphonies worldwide, including the Chicago, San Francisco, and Vancouver symphonies, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Her recital venues encompass the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Wallace Collection in London. She has performed at renowned festivals like Ravinia, Marlboro, and Aspen.

Notable highlights include an All-Baroque concertos program with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, collaborations with Lang Lang at Carnegie, and recognition in Strad and Strings magazines. Beyond performing, Ms. Ni has contributed to the music world by serving on competition juries and conducting master classes at esteemed institutions including the Curtis Institute of Music, the Mannes College of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, the Shanghai Conservatory, and the Central Conservatory in Beijing Born in Sha