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2026 Master Class Schedule

All ASTA Master Classes will take place in Golden Gate 1-2.

Thursday, February 26

10:00-11:00 AM - Collegiate Double Bass

Double bassist Dr. Patricia Weitzel is Assistant Professor of Double Bass and String Chamber Music Coordinator at Penn State University. A versatile performer and educator, she has appeared as soloist, chamber musician, orchestral player, and clinician across four continents, including engagements in China, Brazil, Germany, and throughout the United States. She currently serves as principal bass of the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra and maintains a global private studio.

12:30-1:30 PM - Collegiate Cello

2:00-3:00 PM - Collegiate Viola

3:30-4:30 PM - Collegiate Violin

Amy Beth Horman has enjoyed an active career as soloist and recitalist. A graduate of the Paris Conservatory, she joined the Pre College faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory in 2019. Horman’s students were selected for Menuhin Competition, Boris Goldstein Competition, From the Top, and the Young Arts Foundation. Former students have received prizes in the Queen Elisabeth Competition, and the Indianapolis Competition as well as positions in the LA Phil and San Francisco Symphony.

5:00-6:00 PM - All-Level Chamber Music

Annie Fullard, celebrated violinist and founding member of the award-winning Cavani String Quartet, has spent over four decades as a pioneering force in chamber music performance and education. Currently directing programs at Peabody Institute and McDuffie Center, her former students perform in acclaimed quartets like Kronos and Jupiter, plus major orchestras worldwide. Her co-authored 2025 book “The Art of Collaboration” reflects her vision of chamber music as a model for global understanding and cultural connection.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Friday, February 27

10:00-11:00 AM - Pre-Collegiate Double Bass

Dr. Renata Soares Cáceres is regularly involved with festivals and conferences in the United States and Brazil, such as ASTA National Conference, IMEC, International Society of Bassists’ Convention, Chicago Bass Festival, and the Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Workshop, among others. Fully certified in Paul Rolland’s String Pedagogy, Renata works with the Paul Rolland Society developing materials for double bass teaching. Renata is the creator and developer of Bass Bites, the adjunct professor of double bass at Illinois Wesleyan University, and has a private studio in Urbana-Champaign.

12:30-1:30 PM - Pre-Collegiate Cello

Cellist Dr. Andrea Yun is a member of the Detroit Opera. She founded Cellympics, a play-based approach to cello technique acquisition for children. In 2020, Andrea was designated Teacher of the Year by Michigan ASTA. Andrea is a Suzuki and CelloBello teacher trainer. Andrea has been on faculty at the University of Michigan, University of Texas at San Antonio, and Bowling Green State University (OH), as well as in the public schools as a middle and high school orchestra director. Andrea has degrees in music education, mathematics, and cello performance.

2:00-3:00 PM - Pre-Collegiate Viola

Award-winning Jamaican-American violist Jordan Bak has achieved international acclaim as a trailblazing artist, praised for his radiant stage presence, dynamic interpretations, and fearless power. The recipient of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s ‘Alexandra Jupin’ Award and former Young Classical Artist Trust’s (YCAT) ‘Robey Artist,’ Bak was also a prizewinner in the Sphinx, Lionel Tertis, and Concert Artists Guild Competitions, and has received accolades from ClassicFM, MusicalAmerica, and WQXR. Bak currently serves as Professor of Viola at University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He plays on two violas made by Jon van Kouwenhoven.

3:30-4:30 PM - Pre-Collegiate Violin

Violinist Melissa White has captivated audiences worldwide with her “warmly expressive and lyrical” performances (Chicago Classical Review). Equally celebrated as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator, White is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet and a first-prize laureate of the Sphinx Competition. As a soloist, she has appeared with leading orchestras and is a sought-after chamber musician. A passionate educator, White serves on the faculties of NYU Steinhardt and the University of Buffalo. Beyond music, she co-founded Intermission, a program integrating yoga, mindfulness, and music-making, reflecting her holistic artistic philosophy.

Saturday, February 28

10:00-11:00 AM - All-Level Eclectic Styles

Dr. David Wallace chairs Berklee College of Music’s String Department, and enjoys a versatile teaching, performing, and recording career encompassing Texas-style fiddling, free jazz, heavy metal, world music, classical, and more. Doc Wallace previously enjoyed a fourteen-year tenure as a Juilliard professor and seventeen years as a New York Philharmonic Teaching Artist. An award-winning composer, Wallace’s commissions include the New York Philharmonic, the Marian Anderson String Quartet, and violinist Rachel Barton Pine. www.docwallacemusic.com