Mr. Andrei Pricope: Violin ($37.50), Viola ($37.50)

Friday

Mr. Andrei Pricope holds a master’s degree and Performance Certificate in string performance and pedagogy, and has been teaching since 1997 at his studio in suburban Chicago.
Andrei has performed widely in Europe and the USA in recitals and chamber music. In an orchestral setting, he was Principal Cello of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago (training orchestra of the famed Chicago Symphony), and has performed under legendary conductors Sir Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez, and Christoph Eschenbach, among others. He was also guest principal player in the Rockford, Southwest Michigan, and Green Bay (WI) symphonies.
Mr. Pricope has repeatedly lectured at American String Teacher's Assn. (ASTA) National Conferences and has recently been interviewed for STRINGS Magazine. Dozens of his students have participated in elite youth orchestra programs throughout the Chicago area (Chicago Youth Symphony, Midwest Young Artists, Elgin Youth Symphony, Milwaukee Youth Orchestras) on violin, viola, and cello. With a strong background in music theory, analysis, and music history, Andrei also enjoys preparing new teaching materials and arrangements for his string students.

Ms Grace Kim: Violin ($30)

Tuesday

Grace Kim is a recent graduate of the University of Chicago, majoring in Law, Letters, and Society and minoring in Music. At UChicago, Grace has had the honor of serving as concertmaster of the University Symphony Orchestra and earned the David L. Fulton Prize for Orchestral Excellence. Grace has been teaching violin for the past eight years and loves working with students. Her teachers include Desiree Ruhstrat of the GRAMMY nominated Lincoln Trio, Yoo-Jin Jang, Eun-Young Lee, Allen Tinkham, Kevan Kosobayashi, among others. She was also a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, serving as second violin principal of the esteemed organization’s top orchestra. With CYSO, she has toured Central Europe and the Baltics and worked with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Rachel Barton Pine, and Ben Folds. She has also performed multiple times at the United Center for the national anthem and halftime show for the Chicago Bulls and collaborated with the team on other projects.
Grace was the winner of the New Philharmonic’s Young People’s Competition, Neuqua Valley Concerto Competition, and Stanger Young Artist Competition, and was a featured performer alongside The Piano Guys at the Ravinia Pavilion and Chicago Theatre. She has served as the assistant second violin principal in the Chicago Youth in Music Festival under the baton of Riccardo Muti. In 2016, she joined Filarmónica Joven de Colombia on their national tour led by Dante Santiago Anzolin. She has also served as concertmaster for ILMEA District 9 and was a two-time ILMEA Honors All-State musician. In her free time, Grace loves to read, make jewelry, and spend time with her friends.

Ms Ruth Gordon: Violin ($37.50)

Currently on maternity leave.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Ruth is a violinist and pianist from Wilmington, Delaware. Growing up, she studied piano with Orlando Otey and violin with Xiang Gao of the University of Delaware. In 2012, Ruth graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where she studied violin with Karen Clarke and majored in music and child studies. She performed regularly in Nashville for recording artists, weddings, special events, church services, and as a member of the Vanderbilt University Orchestra.
Ruth has received certification as a violin instructor in both the Suzuki and O’Connor methods. She has been teaching music since she was in high school to children of all ages. Her passion is to cultivate a genuine love for music in her students by encouraging fun and creativity while tailoring lessons to students’ unique personalities, learning styles, and musical interests.

Mr. Christopher Castillo: Violin ($37.50), Viola ($37.50)

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

A multi-faceted musician and educator, Christopher Castillo is both a noted performer and composer. He has performed as an orchestral violinist, chamber musician and soloist throughout the greater Chicago area and the Midwest. He has also improvised in rock, blues, and jazz bands. His principal teachers include Edgar Gabriel of String Fusion and Dr. Sarah Gentry. His numerous compositions, including Starvation in the Presence of Grace, Pain, and Philosopher in a Jar have been premiered by local and national artists at both Illinois State University and Elmhurst College. While at Elmhurst College he regularly participated in the World Music Festival, showcasing works of Piazzolla and famed Bollywood film composer A.R. Rahman, among others. In recent years Chris has increasingly turned his attention to pedagogy and currently teaches strings at local area schools. His hobbies include fine woodworking and traveling.
Chris holds a Masters degree from Illinois State University and a Bachelors from Elmhurst College. He is currently preparing for his Suzuki Method teacher certification.