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.

2024-25 Master Class Teaching Artists

David Madsen
Saturday, November 16, 2024
3:00-5:00 pm
Hoff-Barthelson Music School

David Madsen founded the Suzuki Guitar Program at The Hartt School Community Division (HCD) in 1991 and currently serves as its Suzuki Guitar Coordinator. He earned a Bachelor of Music in performance from the University of Connecticut, studying with David McLellan and Ed Flower, and continued his studies with renowned guitarists David Leisner and Pepe Romero. His Suzuki training was with Bill Kossler and Frank Longay. In 2000, Madsen became the third registered Suzuki Teacher Trainer in guitar with the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) and has led training courses across North and South America. He also trained in Suzuki Early Childhood Education in 2016 and serves on the SAA Teacher Development Advisory Committee and Guitar Committee.

Madsen’s teaching philosophy is rooted in Shinichi Suzuki’s belief that “Every Child Can.” He guides families in creating environments that nurture success not only in learning guitar but in developing critical life skills. His goal is to help children become confident learners by teaching them how to problem-solve, communicate, and collaborate. He believes that every child has the potential to succeed and is dedicated to helping families support their children on that journey.

Compose Yourself! Project
Nils Vigeland, composer
Saturday, March 8, 2025
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Hoff-Barthelson Music School

Nils Vigeland, born in Buffalo, NY in 1950, is a pianist and composer. He made his professional debut in 1969 with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under Lukas Foss. Vigeland studied composition with Foss at Harvard (B.A., 1972) and later earned a Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo, studying with Morton Feldman and Yvar Mikhashoff.

Vigeland’s first orchestral piece was performed by Foss and the Buffalo Philharmonic in 1970. His works have since been performed by renowned groups such as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Oslo Radio Orchestra. Notable compositions include *Piano Concerto* (1984) and *False Love/True Love* (1992), premiered by the English National Opera.

He has recorded collaborations with artists like Jenny Q Chai, Daniel Lippel, and John Popham, and his recent work, *Pale Fire*, a 90-minute solo piano piece, premiered in 2023. Vigeland toured extensively with Morton Feldman as part of “Morton Feldman and Soloists” and directed The Bowery Ensemble (1980-1989), premiering numerous contemporary works.

A long-time educator, Vigeland taught at the Manhattan School of Music for thirty years, retiring as Chair of the Composition Department in 2013. His music appears on labels like Mode, Naxos, and Lovely Music, and his choral works are published by Boosey and Hawkes. To learn more, visit nilsvigeland.com

Additional teaching artists are to be scheduled.

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