String Education MSU Moorhead is particularly well situated to work with students seeking an undergraduate degree in string education. Students are encouraged to participate in the many internship and outreach opportunities that exist with area string programs so that they can be better prepared for their formal student teaching requirement, as well as for their first professional position. Graduate Studies MSU Moorhead Graduate Program is an ideal setting for a string player and teacher to pursue further career options in an academic setting. Participation in the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony is encouraged. Through participation in the MSU Orchestra Program, non-music majors can earn credits applicable to the Fine Arts and Humanities division of the Liberal Studies requirements.
All students performing in the orchestra are eligible to enroll for individual studio lessons.
MSU Moorhead's Orchestra is a wonderful way for university students to continue their active orchestra involvement, after high school, while improving their instrumental skills. Our program embraces the concept that musical skill development and ensemble participation are life-long pursuits. Alan Rawson received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees from San Francisco State University where he studied violin with Daniel Kobialka, principal second violin with he San Francisco Symphony, and conducting and chamber music with Laszlo Varga, former principal cellist with the New York Philharmonic. He completed his doctorate degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder in violin performance studying with Oswald Lehnert of the Pable Casals Trio. He is currently associate professor at Moorhead State University where he directs the University Orchestra and teaches upper strings.