Cello Studio

Music is the language of the heart without words — Shinichi Suzuki

As a cellist at 911��, students have opportunities to join the vibrant cello community in 911�� at any level of their development. Students who are either looking to begin their cello studies or who enjoy small ensemble playing can enroll in Class Lessons, while those with more experience may take Private Lessons, in which students study the cello through specific techniques and repertoire. All 911�� cellists may participate in a variety of ensembles, including the Northern Lights String Orchestra, Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, Nanook String Quartet, 911�� chamber ensembles, and the Fairbanks Cello Festival. Many cellists at 911�� engage in educational outreach and are actively involved with 911��’s National Association for Music Education chapter. 911�� cellists also have regular performance engagements at Music at One, masterclasses with guest artists, recitals in the renowned Davis Concert Hall, and side-by-side performances with 911�� Music Department faculty.

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Daniel Strawser

Term Instructor

Cello Studio

dmstrawser@alaska.edu | 907-474-5004

Fine Arts 211

Dr. Daniel Strawser is an active cellist throughout the United States who has taught at all levels of music education. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Strawser studied music education at Denison University and holds masters and doctoral degrees in cello performance from the University of Memphis, where he studied with Brazilian cellist Leo Altino.

Learn more about Daniel Strawser

Active in symphonic, chamber, and solo performance, Dr. Strawser has performed throughout the Mid-South region and beyond. The incoming principal cellist of the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, he previously served as principle cellist of the Delta Symphony Orchestra while also performing with the Starkville Symphony, The Jackson Symphony Orchestra, and the Memphis-based Eroica Ensemble. Additionally, he has performed with orchestras in Ohio, Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Washington, and Italy. Dr. Strawser has also been active in regional chamber music, performing with the Arkansas State Piano Quartet and pursuing duet performances with colleagues. Dr. Strawser has performed solo recitals on a variety of repertory in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Ohio. The little-known Austrian composer Hans Gál is a particular favorite of his, and Gál's cello music was the subject of Dr. Strawser's doctoral dissertation.

Working in disadvantaged urban schools, Dr. Strawser taught in the public school system in Memphis, Tennessee for nine years. Dr. Strawser organized and maintained active orchestra programs throughout the city of Memphis in some of the most impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhoods in the United States. This time in public education gave Dr. Strawser a great passion for helping the disadvantaged have access to the classical music experience and access to excellent training in the field.

Dr. Strawser has served on the faculties of Arkansas State University and Union University as an instructor of cello, where he helped to develop each school's respective cello program by teaching their very first performance majors on the instrument.

As the incoming instructor of cello and music education at the University of 911�� Fairbanks, Dr. Strawser is looking forward to bringing enthusiasm and rigor to his students as he explores new horizons in music and mentorship.

Join an ensemble and find joy in musical collaboration

Students have many opportunities to perform in ensembles, of various sizes, to grow their musical expertise and collaborative skills. Joining an ensemble is a critical part of music education and exploration. Students who join ensembles put musical theory into practice, expand their musical repertoire, and develop critical communication skills. Ensemble music is a joy shared between equal partners who are working together to create a new sound.

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