Huntersville, NC – On May 31 and June 1, 2024, Boruff Violin Studio had the distinct privilege of hosting internationally acclaimed violinist William Hagen for a two-day series of masterclasses, coachings, and workshops at the Rafter’s at Historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Huntersville, NC. The event, which was open to both students and the public, was an incredible opportunity for violinists and music enthusiasts to engage directly with one of the most accomplished violinists of his generation.
Ensemble Coaching
On the afternoon of May 31, William Hagen began his time at Boruff Violin Studio by coaching three different student groups—two string quartets and a violin octet. The students worked with Mr. Hagen on vibrant chamber music repertoire, including Haydn’s String Quartet, Op. 76 No. 1, Smetana’s String Quartet No. 1 in E minor, and Bohm’s Quartet for 4 Violins in G Major. The violin octet, primarily comprised of first-time chamber musicians, gave students an exciting opportunity to play in a larger group, with each violinist doubling one of the parts in the quartet.
Mr. Hagen’s expertise was immediately apparent as he guided each group through musical and technical challenges, offering constructive feedback that helped elevate their performances. His patient, thoughtful, and encouraging approach allowed students to feel at ease, even as they tackled the complexities of these demanding works. The hands-on coaching not only improved their musical skills but also provided invaluable insights into the nuances of chamber music playing.
Studio Masterclass
Following the coaching sessions, William Hagen presented a free, public masterclass for some of the studio’s most advanced students. The four young violinists and violists performed concertos by Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Stamitz, and Mr. Hagen’s feedback was both technical and artistic, with a special focus on phrasing, interpretation, and performance presence. The masterclass was a hit, attracting an engaged audience that included students, families, and local music lovers.
As the evening came to a close, the audience had the opportunity to interact directly with Mr. Hagen during a Q&A session hosted by studio founder Eric Boruff. This informal conversation was an enlightening experience for all involved, offering a deeper understanding of Mr. Hagen’s approach to music, as well as his personal journey as a violinist.
Summer Workshops
The next morning, on June 1, Boruff Violin Studio’s Summer Workshops kicked off with a variety of group classes for beginner and intermediate students, all led by William Hagen. One of the highlights was a session with over 40 young beginner violinists, who came together to learn Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Lightly Row under Mr. Hagen’s guidance. It was a fun and energetic session, with students thoroughly enjoying the chance to learn from such an accomplished artist in a relaxed, supportive environment.
After the workshop, students were treated to cookies and lemonade, and William Hagen gave an intimate, private performance of Bach’s Prelude in E Major from Partita 3. The performance was met with rousing applause and was a perfect way to cap off a day of musical learning and inspiration.
A Lasting Impression
The two-day event was a true highlight for Boruff Violin Studio, providing students of all ages the chance to learn directly from one of today’s most celebrated violinists. William Hagen’s exceptional technical skills, combined with his engaging teaching style, left a lasting impression on everyone involved. Whether in the coaching sessions with young chamber musicians, the masterclass with advanced students, or the summer workshops for beginners, Mr. Hagen’s passion for the violin and for sharing his knowledge was evident at every step.
“We are incredibly grateful to William Hagen for joining us this weekend,” said Eric Boruff, founder of Boruff Violin Studio. “Having the opportunity to work with such a renowned artist is an invaluable experience for our students. His insights and mentorship will have a lasting impact on all of us, and we look forward to continuing to offer these kinds of unique opportunities to our community.”
Looking Ahead
The event not only provided a wealth of learning opportunities for our students but also showcased the dedication of Boruff Violin Studio to bringing world-class music education to the greater Charlotte area. Our commitment to offering exceptional learning experiences is further exemplified by future plans to host more guest artists, masterclasses, and workshops for students of all levels.
If you’re interested in joining the studio and taking part in future events like this, now is the perfect time to start! Our studio provides violin lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced musicians, with access to unique opportunities for growth and development. Contact us to get started today!