Biography

D.M.A., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

M.M., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

B.M., Ithaca College

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Author of the works: “Playing the Violin: A Pedagogical Analysis of Violin Technique and Performance Practice,” and the Comprehensive String Series: “Early Success,” Dr. Derek Voigt is an internationally-acclaimed violinist and pedagogue. He currently works as an Orchestra Director at Andover Public Schools in Andover, Massachusetts. He previously worked as the Director of String Music at Chatfield College. An experienced performer, Derek frequently performs in solo recitals, including performances in Paris, France, Alba and Barolo, Italy, and in numerous locations throughout the U.S. Derek also performed in  United Nations performances in the New York City Italian Consulate with an Italian chamber orchestra, and worked with the UN Refugee Resettlement Program to document the sacred music of Rwandan Refugees.

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Dr. Voigt frequently teaches master classes, including one at Bowling Green State University, and is scheduled to teach another in New York State. He has performed in master classes with Christopher Hogwood, Charles Castleman, Elmar Oliveira, and Janet Sung. He began his violin studies at age 3, studying with Dmitry Gerikh. He received his Doctoral and Master’s degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), studying with Dr. Piotr Milewski, Kurt Sassmannshaus, and Giora Schmidt, and received his Bachelor’s degree from the Ithaca College School of Music, studying with Susan Waterbury. Derek received his Doctorate from CCM. When not performing solo repertoire, Derek can be found performing chamber and orchestral repertoire.

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Derek has performed with professional orchestras and opera companies such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, the Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra, where he served as the orchestra’s Concertmaster, and the Cincinnati Chamber Opera, where he served as Principal Second Violin. Derek has served as concertmaster for numerous other ensembles, including the Grassroots Festival Chamber Orchestra, in Ithaca, New York, and the New Violin Family Orchestra.

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An Early Music enthusiast, Derek played Baroque Violin in Cornell University’s Early Music Ensemble, Les Petits Violons. In this ensemble, he worked closely with great musicians like Neal Zaslaw and Christopher Hogwood. He owns an unconverted violin made in the early 1700’s. Derek is also interested in ‘new’ instruments. He has performed on Soprano Violin in the New Violin Family Orchestra. This instrument is smaller than a typical Violin and is tuned a fourth higher (C-G-D-A). Its tuning can be thought of as being an octave higher than a viola. The instrument produces a unique sound and allows for very high notes. Derek also owns an internationally-unique Piccolo Violin. This instrument is tuned an octave higher a traditional violin (G-D-A-E). It is possible that fewer than five of these instruments exist today.

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In 2010, Derek founded the Tompkins County Youth Orchestra in Ithaca, NY. Since Derek’s departure from Ithaca, the group has changed to become the Ithaca Youth Orchestra.

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In 2008, Derek founded the 501-(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, The Violin Player. The organization advances music education by providing quality musical instruments, as well as other educational resources, to schools and individuals in Ohio and New York. Please see: www.TheViolinPlayer.org

Recordings

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