Double Reed Studio

Candy Rydlinski - Adjunct Professor of Oboe
George Rydlinski - Adjunct Professor of Bassoon

Double Reed instrumentalists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks can expect to have weekly hour-long private lessons on their major instrument. Additionally, reed making classes for both Oboe and Bassoon are available and encouraged.

Double reed instrumentalists can expect to perform in university ensembles such as the Wind Symphony (Concert Band/Wind Ensemble) and the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra. Seat placement is determined by audition each semester. Other performance opportunities such as chamber ensembles: duos, trios, quintets, etc. will be facilitated and coordinated for students by need and availability.

Horn Studio – Rebecca Dunne

The UAF Music Department offers French Horn instruction to horn players of all levels and interests, both music majors and non-majors. Private lessons focus on sound production, range, and technique and incorporate solo and orchestral literature. Students have the opportunity to play in UAF and community ensembles including UAF Wind Symphony, Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, Fairbanks Community Band, and others.

String Bass Studio – Bob Olsen

Private instruction in string bass consists of one private lesson per week, either one-half hour or one hour depending on how many credits the student signs up for. All students are welcome, beginners (MUS 151 Class Lessons), non-music majors and degree seeking music majors.

Lessons in my studio provide students with t

With weekly guidance, the student will achieve certain mastery of bass performance, demonstrate music performance at their highest level, and gain a deeper understanding of music teaching and skills related to pedagogy.

Students are expected to practice regularly between lessons and prepare weekly assignments. Ninety (90) minutes a day is the minimum recommended. While you are preparing for your lessons, you are also preparing for large ensemble, Northern Lights String Ensemble or Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, and chamber music rehearsals. The student will also have many other performing opportunities: weekly masterclasses, weekly Music at One performances, and end of semester juries, to mention just a few.

Upper String Studio - Dr. Bryan Emmon Hall

Violin/ Viola students enjoy an intense study in our rich repertoire. UAF String Area provides ample performance and collaborative opportunities through Northern Lights String Orchestra, Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, Music at One, chamber music courses, faculty collaborations, and weekly performance masterclasses. Two options for study include Class Violin/Viola Lessons or Private Violin/Viola Lessons.

Class lessons do not require an end of semester jury and meet once a week in a group lesson.

Private lessons come with a more one on one experience, perfect for students who seek a more in-depth study. It offers a weekly one hour lesson, a large ensemble requirement (NLSO or FSO), piano rehearsals and coachings with collaborative pianist Dr. Lorna Eder, an end of semester jury, and a weekly masterclass.

String Masterclass occurs weekly on Monday nights and meets from 5:00pm-6:45 pm in the McGown room FA 217.

Northern Lights String Orchestra meets Mondays from 7:00pm-8:30 pm in Davis Concert Hall.

Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra meets Tuesdays from 6:30pm-9:30 pm.

We encourage non-music majors, music minors, and music majors alike. Extra opportunities include masterclasses and collaborations from world class string artists like Shelia Browne, soloist and Juilliard faculty; David Kim, Concertmaster of Philadelphia Symphony; members of the Cypress Quartet; Gabriel Pegis, Principal second of Cincinnati Symphony; Kathryn Eberle, Associate Concertmaster of Utah Symphony; Daniel Han, section violin in the Philadelphia Symphony; Brian Lewis, soloist and UT Austin faculty; Kevin Lawrence, violin faculty UNCSA; Christopher Luther, violist and fiddler; Svend Rønning, Concertmaster of Tacoma Symphony; and Matthew Thomas Troy, guest conductor.

Recent student successes include:

Lisa Ibias ‘19. Soloist with Juneau Symphony, Associate Concertmaster of Juneau Symphony.

Rose Crelli, ’18. Assistant Principal of Huntsville Symphony. Graduate Assistantship at University of Louisville.

Trevor Adams, ‘15 & ’17. Scholarship recipient and Teaching Assistantship at Roosevelt University, Film Composition Degree.

Heidi O’Connor Brooks, ‘15/’16. Hired with Anchorage School District after completing full assistantship MAT program in UASE.