Welcome to the UT Violin Studio!
In the UT Violin Studio, violin students thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment that emphasizes individual attention, artistic growth, and high-level performance. Our faculty are deeply committed to each student’s development, offering personalized instruction tailored to both technical needs and personal aspirations.
Academics
No matter the academic program, the UT Violin Studio is known for its camaraderie, mentorship, and access to meaningful opportunities. Students regularly participate in master classes, lectures, workshops, and events with renowned guest artists from around the world. Many receive funding to attend top summer festivals and conferences across the U.S., Europe, and Asia – further enhancing their professional experience and musical network.
Undergraduate Programs
Students in the Violin Studio may pursue either a Bachelor of Music (BM) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, depending on their career goals and interests.
- The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree designed for students seeking advanced training in music performance, education, jazz, composition, or theory. Applied lessons are a central part of the degree for most concentrations (such as performance, education, and jazz) and may be optional in others (such as composition and theory).
- The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music is a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that allows students to study music in context with other fields such as media, business, communications, and culture. Applied lesson requirements are dependent on the chosen track.
Students should review the degree requirements carefully to see how applied lessons fit into their intended program of study.
Graduate Programs
Graduate students may pursue a Master of Music in Music Education or Music Performance with violin as their primary area of study.
Graduate Artist Certificate
Designed for highly accomplished performers seeking to refine their artistry, the Graduate Artist Certificate offers advanced study as a stand-alone program.
Meet Professor Miroslav Hristov
With over twenty years of teaching experience, Professor Miroslav Hristov has gained recognition as one of the leading violin pedagogues in the country. In the last several years, students from Professor Hristov’s studio have earned top prizes at national and international competitions, including the American Protégé International Concerto Competition, The ENKOR International Solo Violin Competition, the Music Teachers National Association (National Finalist), the Cleveland Orchestra of Tennessee Aria and Concerto Competition, among many others.
“With every student, my goal has always been to instill them with the technique and musical understanding that will allow them to fully express themselves through their instrument. I attribute my teaching success to my ability to diagnose technical problems, as well as my ability to prescribe the most appropriate course of study to address technical and artistic issues. I never rely on canned teaching methods; rather, I create an individualized plan of study for each student based not only on their technical and artistic needs, but also on their personal goals and ambitions. They know that I will always put their needs above my own, and this is how I have earned the loyalty and respect of my students and alumni.”
Miroslav Hristov
Area Coordinator of Strings, Professor of Violin
Meet Professor Evie Chen
Evie Chen is a dynamic and versatile violinist whose artistry spans both classical and contemporary repertoires. A native of Palo Alto, California, Chen made her solo debut at the age of eight with the Fremont Symphony Orchestra, after becoming the youngest recipient of the Nafisa Taghioff Award in their Young Artists Competition. Since then, she has performed with ensembles such as the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, California Youth Symphony, Eastman Philharmonia, Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra, and the Houston Symphony Orchestra.
Performance Opportunities
Violin students at UT perform regularly with large ensembles such as the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Contemporary Music Ensemble. Students are also encouraged to take part in chamber groups, studio recitals, and regional orchestra gigs.
Interested in the UT Violin Studio?
Schedule a Music Major for a Day Experience or Building Tour!
Get a true sense of what it’s like to be a music major at UT! Sit in on classes, attend rehearsals, meet with the violin professors, and tour our beautiful facilities.
Learn How To Apply
Whether you’re applying as a first-time college student, transfer student, or graduate student, admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is a multi-step process that includes applying to the University of Tennessee and to our college. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships each academic year.
Assistantships carry a waiver of the university tuition, pays for mandatory university fees, medical coverage, and carries a monthly stipend.