Strings Department
Simin Ganatra
sganatra@indiana.edu
Whether your passion is violin, viola, cello, or double bass, you’ll find the perfect program for you here.
You’ll learn from world-renowned string players alongside peers who share your passion and commitment. You’ll be exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, instruments, and genres. And you’ll perform in beautiful facilities as part of your academic program.
As a student here, you’ll learn from and be mentored by top musicians who have performed as part of world-renowned orchestras and as soloists all around the globe. They’ve now turned their attention to teaching—and on helping you become the best stings professional possible.
You’ll be placed in a specific faculty member’s studio and will receive at least one individual lesson each week. You’ll also benefit from the perspectives and teaching styles of other faculty members through ensemble work and class activities.
Chair, Department of Strings
Professor of Music (Viola)
Eugene O'Brien Bicentennial Executive Associate Dean (Interim)
Professor of Music (Viola)
Professor of Music (Cello)
Professor of Practice (Violin)
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music (Violin)
Professor of Practice (String Chamber Music, Violin)
Professor of Practice (String Chamber Music, Viola)
Professor of Music (Violin)
Professor of Music (Violin)
Linda and Jack Gill Chair in Music
Professor of Music (Cello)
Professor of Music (Violin)
Professor of Music (Double Bass)
Adjunct Professor of Music (Violin)
Professor of Music (Cello)
Professor of Music (Double Bass)
Professor of Practice (String Chamber Music, Cello)
Professor of Music (Viola)
Director, Pre-College Strings
Throughout your time at Jacobs, you’ll perform as part of at least one ensemble each semester. With dozens of bands, orchestras, and ensembles to choose from, it’s easy to find groups that fit your interests and expand your repetoire.
The string department also holds four to five solo competitions each year: two in violin, one in viola, and one in cello, as well as one in double bass every other year. If you win, you’ll perform with IU Jacobs School of Music orchestras.
Our String Academy offers private and group lessons to K–12 children in Bloomington and the surrounding communities.
Students can enroll in individual or group lessons. No matter which option you choose, your child will have an opportunity to perform at the end of every semester.
Help support activities of the Strings Department and students enrolled in a degree program in Strings at the Jacobs School of Music.
I was very happy that I went to a school like IU, where I could take many courses outside of the music school. Courses in history, mathematics, fine arts, and language were wonderful supplements to my musical education.
Noah Bendix-Balgley, concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, Jacobs alumnus
