String Quartet - Curtis Institute of Music
Source: https://www.curtis.edu/studio/string-quartet
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
String Quartet - Curtis Institute of Music
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Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program
The Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program prepares a new generation of chamber music leaders. The Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program is open to young quartets of extraordinary promise, formed for at least one year at the time of their audition.
"Curtis has enabled us to go out there and share our voice with so many places in the USA and Europe that before we started this residency, we wouldn’t have even dreamed of."
— Stergios Theodoridis, member of the Erinys Quartet
Take the Next Steps
How to Apply
Closely mentored by Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence, the
Dover Quartet
, the ensemble performs two recitals annually, which are professionally recorded, and masterclasses for guest quartets and other visiting artists. The quartet has the opportunity to perform nationally and around the globe through
Curtis on Tour
, and quartet members participate in concerts of contemporary music with Curtis New Music Ensemble. As mentoring is an important dimension of the quartet program, quartet members coach and perform with students who are part of the Young Artists Initiative (those of high school age and younger).
The quartet program was established in 2013 and has graduated ensembles that are pursuing fast-rising and global careers, including the
Dover
,
Aizuri
, and
Viano
Quartets. Accolades include Grammy Award nominations, the Avery Fisher Career Grant, top prizes from the M Prize Competition and Astral Artist’s National Auditions, and recognition in the New York Times, among others.
Program Highlights
Regular coachings with members of the Dover Quartet
Additional coachings with Curtis faculty
Private lessons with members of the Dover Quartet
Two recitals annually (professionally recorded)
Masterclasses with guest quartets and visiting artists
Concerts with Curtis’ New Music Ensemble
Opportunities to perform around the world with Curtis on Tour
Opportunities to coach younger students at Curtis
In addition to the two-year Post-Baccalaureate Diploma, Curtis offers a 10-day summer workshop for advanced string quartets. Read more about the
Dover Quartet String Quartet Workshop
here
.
Curtis is grateful to the donors who provided generous funding to pilot the school’s string quartet program: Henry Arnhold, Nina Baroness von Maltzahn, Bob and Gina Mundheim, and Phil and Eli Taylor.
Faculty
Joel
Link
Dover Quartet, Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence
Read More
Bryan
Lee
Dover Quartet, Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence
Read More
Julianne
Lee
Dover Quartet, Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence
Read More
Camden
Shaw
Dover Quartet, Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence
Read More
Application
One representative will fill out the quartet application; each member will fill out a bio and educational background form. Please include:
A full group bio (or link to the quartet’s website) detailing information including the ensemble’s history, formal training, residencies, competitions, and awards
A full repertoire list
Learn more
Prescreening
Please include:
A movement of a work from the standard classical repertoire
A movement of a work from the standard romantic repertoire
A movement or work from the period 1900-1975
A movement or work from the period 1975-present
Learn more
Live Audition
The quartet should perform for approximately 45 minutes. The first selection is a movement of the group’s choice. Subsequent selections of pieces and movements will be made by the audition committee. Finally, there will be a 15-minute interview/discussion conducted by the audition committee. The quartet should be prepared to comment on the group’s background, goals, etc.
Learn More
Curriculum
The Curtis curriculum is designed to meet students where they are in their musical journeys and to offer instruction, guidance, and inspiration as they pursue their goals.
Learn More
Degree programs available within the string quartet department include the following:
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma
Student Performances
Play to your greatness.
Request Info
Visit
Apply
Subscribe to our newsletter for Curtis news, events, announcements, and more.
Sign Up
Skip to content
Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program
The Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program prepares a new generation of chamber music leaders. The Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program is open to young quartets of extraordinary promise, formed for at least one year at the time of their audition.
"Curtis has enabled us to go out there and share our voice with so many places in the USA and Europe that before we started this residency, we wouldn’t have even dreamed of."
— Stergios Theodoridis, member of the Erinys Quartet
Take the Next Steps
How to Apply
Closely mentored by Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence, the
Dover Quartet
, the ensemble performs two recitals annually, which are professionally recorded, and masterclasses for guest quartets and other visiting artists. The quartet has the opportunity to perform nationally and around the globe through
Curtis on Tour
, and quartet members participate in concerts of contemporary music with Curtis New Music Ensemble. As mentoring is an important dimension of the quartet program, quartet members coach and perform with students who are part of the Young Artists Initiative (those of high school age and younger).
The quartet program was established in 2013 and has graduated ensembles that are pursuing fast-rising and global careers, including the
Dover
,
Aizuri
, and
Viano
Quartets. Accolades include Grammy Award nominations, the Avery Fisher Career Grant, top prizes from the M Prize Competition and Astral Artist’s National Auditions, and recognition in the New York Times, among others.
Program Highlights
Regular coachings with members of the Dover Quartet
Additional coachings with Curtis faculty
Private lessons with members of the Dover Quartet
Two recitals annually (professionally recorded)
Masterclasses with guest quartets and visiting artists
Concerts with Curtis’ New Music Ensemble
Opportunities to perform around the world with Curtis on Tour
Opportunities to coach younger students at Curtis
In addition to the two-year Post-Baccalaureate Diploma, Curtis offers a 10-day summer workshop for advanced string quartets. Read more about the
Dover Quartet String Quartet Workshop
here
.
Curtis is grateful to the donors who provided generous funding to pilot the school’s string quartet program: Henry Arnhold, Nina Baroness von Maltzahn, Bob and Gina Mundheim, and Phil and Eli Taylor.
Faculty
Joel
Link
Dover Quartet, Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence
Read More
Bryan
Lee
Dover Quartet, Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence
Read More
Julianne
Lee
Dover Quartet, Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence
Read More
Camden
Shaw
Dover Quartet, Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence
Read More
Application
One representative will fill out the quartet application; each member will fill out a bio and educational background form. Please include:
A full group bio (or link to the quartet’s website) detailing information including the ensemble’s history, formal training, residencies, competitions, and awards
A full repertoire list
Learn more
Prescreening
Please include:
A movement of a work from the standard classical repertoire
A movement of a work from the standard romantic repertoire
A movement or work from the period 1900-1975
A movement or work from the period 1975-present
Learn more
Live Audition
The quartet should perform for approximately 45 minutes. The first selection is a movement of the group’s choice. Subsequent selections of pieces and movements will be made by the audition committee. Finally, there will be a 15-minute interview/discussion conducted by the audition committee. The quartet should be prepared to comment on the group’s background, goals, etc.
Learn More
Curriculum
The Curtis curriculum is designed to meet students where they are in their musical journeys and to offer instruction, guidance, and inspiration as they pursue their goals.
Learn More
Degree programs available within the string quartet department include the following:
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma
Student Performances
Play to your greatness.
Request Info
Visit
Apply
Subscribe to our newsletter for Curtis news, events, announcements, and more.
Sign Up