The Academy values the importance of our teacher’s professional development. The Faculty Enrichment Fund annually provides partial and full reimbursement for teachers to attend conferences, workshops, and teacher training sessions. Academy Viola and Violin Teaching Artist, Dr. Nina Kiken, writes about her experience at the 2026 American Viola Society Festival:
The first week of June I attended the American Viola Society Festival (AVS), which was held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
The AVS festival is a space where violists from all over the country meet for “artistry, scholarship and community.” During the week, I heard many beautiful performances. Highlights include the Sixth Brandenburg Concerto performed by Lynne Ramsey and Victoria Chiang, Beethoven Sonatas transcribed for viola by Eric Wong and performed by him and his students at Vanderbilt University, and a set of original compositions for viola duet by Maxwell Lowery performed with Molly Wise.
I also watched viola competitions for students at the high school, collegiate, and post-collegiate levels, and observed masterclasses with teachers from major universities and conservatories. The festival offered an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and mentors, and meet students and professional violists working throughout the U.S. I also got to witness my former teachers (Jeffrey Irvine and Lynne Ramsey) receive the career achievement award. Through this immersive experience, I learned about the new trends in viola pedagogy, performance and scholarship, and accumulated lots of new ideas for my students at home!
Written by Dr. Nina Kiken, Regina Schneider
Edited by Regina Schneider