From the Classroom to the Stage: Joseph Gottesman Inspires Our Students in a Special Masterclass

Last Tuesday evening, the sounds of violins and violas filled Key to Change’s Renton studio as students gathered for a special masterclass with guest artist Joseph Gottesman. Through humor, detailed technical advice, and expressive musical coaching, Professor Gottesman encouraged students to refine their technique while exploring deeper artistic possibilities.  

Professor Gottesman, Director of Chamber Music Studies at the Seattle Conservatory of Music and Instructor of Viola at Western Washington University, led a masterclass that combined rigorous music-making, humor, and practical advice about instrumental technique. He has built a strong reputation for working with young artists at organizations, such as the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO), and this was evident in his ability to coax Key to Change students out of their shyness through thoughtful and encouraging coaching. 

For five of those students, Sid, Tyree, Ciku, Avi, and Thomas, the masterclass provided  valuable preparation for their Benaroya Hall debut in two weeks at the annual Spring Salon. While these soloists had already been practicing for months leading up to the event, Professor Gottesman challenged them to dig even deeper with their artistic expression. He encouraged them to embrace a rich, full sound and Romantic style of playing with generous amounts of vibrato.

In addition to being a master teacher, Professor Gottesman is a virtuoso violist who has toured the United States as well as performing with leading local institutions, including the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and 5th Avenue Theater. His suggestions for experimental practices, such as playing passages as loudly or quietly as possible to invoke different feelings, helped our students think outside the box. It was clear that Professor Gotteman wanted students to tap into their emotions as a core of their playing.

Masterclasses like this are an important part of the Key to Change experience. By connecting students with leading professional musicians from the region’s vibrant arts community, these sessions provide mentorship that strengthens both technical skill and artistic confidence.

“Professor Gottesman is a never-ending river of amazing advice”, said Mara Gearman, Key to Change Instructor and Assistant Principal Viola of Seattle. “It is inspiring for me as a violist and instructor to have even more great ideas about how to communicate and teach, and it was important for our viola students to work on pieces they were less comfortable with so that they could have even more opportunities to explore with him”.

Preparing for Their Benaroya Hall Debut

All five Spring Salon student soloists who will perform alongside the Federal Way Symphony at Benaroya Hall on March 29 participated in the masterclass on March 10. They are prepared. 

In addition to helping with specific sections of the pieces they all played, Professor Gottesman helped the soloists refine their technique, strengthen their individual artistry, and build the confidence needed to perform at a high level.

For example, Professor Gottesman helped Ciku refine her bow hand and provided physical hand exercises to improve consistency in her grip and tone production. He  also worked with Tyree on interpreting the composer’s intended character of the music by identifying expressive clues within the score. Tyree learned to sing with the viola and shape the music with clearer dynamics.

“Professor Gottesman helped me become more self-aware of my right hand placement to subconsciously fix it and improve”, said Ciku Maina, viola student. “His advice included fundamental tips that helped me look at things differently. The feedback he gave for all of us students was really helpful to take the next steps to being performance ready.”

When Sid, Tyree, Ciku, Avi, and Thomas step into Benaroya Hall in two weeks at our biggest event of the year, and on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prestigious stages, they will do so with the confidence that comes from preparation, mentorship, and the knowledge that they have earned their place among the region’s rising young artists. 

You can learn more about our outstanding student soloists in our blog here. Register for our free Community Concert and experience these student’s hard work come to life on stage.