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Texas State ViolaFest

A large group of smiling Texas State ViolaFest participants wearing purple t-shirts.

Each September, the Texas State ViolaFest welcomes violists from throughout the state of Texas to the Texas State University campus to learn and perform alongside Dr. Ames Asbell, Associate Professor of Viola, and other distinguished viola artist-teachers from the state of Texas and around the country. We hope you will join us for this fun and educational celebration of the viola!

This Year: TWO Great Events!

dark blue background with circular faculty photos and general event information

Friday, September 12, 2025
6:00pm

Opening Recital featuring Dr. Katrin Meidell, Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University

Enjoy this free recital featuring virtuosic works for solo viola by Lillian Fuchs, Alfred Pochon, Michael Kugel, and much more. No tickets or reservations required - come celebrate the viola with us!

Texas State Performing Arts Center Recital
405 Moon Street, San Marcos, TX 78666

This event is FREE to the public – tickets or reservations are not required.

Saturday, September 13, 2025
9:00am-6:00pm

Texas State University School of Music 
101 Pleasant Street, San Marcos, TX 78666

Join us for a FULL DAY of fun and VIOLA! Ensembles, technique classes, workshops, masterclasses, and much more! The day closes with a public concert featuring students and faculty at 5:00pm in Evans Auditorium - family and friends are welcome!

Registration is just $30, and includes an event t-shirt and pizza lunch. Please register by August 29 to guarantee your t-shirt size.

REGISTER HERE!

Groups of 5 or more may register at a discounted rate - please contact viola@txstate.edu for more information.

Faculty artists include:

Dr. Katrin Meidell – Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University
Prof. Wilhelm Magner – University of Texas - Austin
Dr. Eliza Jeffords – Texas Lutheran University
Dr. Ames Asbell – Texas State University
Daniel Gee Cordova – Austin Suzuki Music School/Round Rock ISD
Martha Carapetyan – Austin Viola Workshop
Jose Rivera – Klein ISD
Noah White-Telles – Houston ISD

Event Schedule:
8:30-9:00  – Registration/check-in
9:15 – Welcome and orientation
9:30 – Ensemble warm-up/rehearsal
10:15 – All-State Prep and Special Topics classes
11:00 – Technique Classes
12:00 – Pizza lunch, faculty Q&A
1:00 – Technique Classes
2:00 – Masterclasses
2:45 – Special Topic Classes
3:30 – Ensemble Rehearsal
4:30 – Break/Recital set-up
5:00 – Closing Recital, Evans Auditorium
 
Special topics classes include:
TMEA All-Region/All-State Preparation (high school only)
Karen Tuttle's Coordination for Violists
Breathing and Body Alignment for Better Technique
Viola Tone Production 
Warmup and Technique Classes for all levels
Tips for Developing Your Vibrato
and much more!
 
If you would like to be considered to perform in a masterclass with one of our faculty members, please email a teacher recommendation to Dr. Ames Asbell at viola@txstate.edu by September 1. Masterclass slots are first-come, first-served and require a $30 masterclass fee.

Questions?

Please contact Dr. Ames Asbell at viola@txstate.edu.

Previous ViolaFest Posters

Purple 2023 Texas State ViolaFest Poster with images of featured guests and event information
Maroon 2024 Texas State ViolaFest poster with images of featured artists and general event information