Our purpose is to transform the string student into an independent young colleague. Our strength lies in our unique holistic pedagogical approach and the multitude of diverse learning and performance opportunities available to them. We seek for each student to explore the power of musical communication and to help them acquire the tools to express themselves at their highest potential. The String Area’s strength is in its dedication to communication through the art of mastering the instrument to the best of one’s ability – as a philosophy, and compass that everyone can benefit from. Whether by virtue of in-depth studio lessons and classes, or performing opportunities, experimentation and research, students learn how to focus, contemplate, share, lead, follow, and ultimately equip themselves with the tools to express themselves confidently.
Strings


Strings Faculty
Ji Young An
Continuing Lecturer - Violin Performance
Regina Carter-Garnett
Professor - Music Performance and Global Jazz Studies
Che-Yen Chen
Professor - Viola Performance
Niall Tarō Ferguson
VEM Ensemble, Cello
Mircea Gogoncea
Lecturer - Guitar
Chris Hanulik
Adjunct Professor - String Bass Performance; Principal Bass LA Phil
Ela Kodžas
VEM Ensemble, Violin
Varty Manouelian
Continuing Lecturer - Violin Performance, Violin LA Philharmonic
Lou Anne Neill
Continuing Lecturer - Harp Performance, Harp LA Philharmonic
Movses Pogossian
Distinguished Professor of Violin; Founder and Advisor, Armenian Music Program - Music Performance
Damon Zavala
VEM Ensemble, Viola

Sir John Eliot Gardiner
“One of the most memorable musical student/teacher interactions I have ever witnessed occurred during a concert I attended in Tuscany last summer near Montepulciano. A group of exceptionally gifted young students from the UCLA string department performed an array of classical and contemporary works together with their distinguished professors – Movses Pogossian, Guillaume Sutre, and Antonio Lysy. The results were breathtaking and brilliant.”
Oct 29 Thu
8:00pm
Free
Free
classical
UCLA Philharmonia Please join us for the first UCLA Philharmonia concert of the 2026-2027 season.
Schoenberg Hall Learn More
Dec 6 Sun
4:00pm
Free
Free
classical
UCLA Philharmonia Please join us for the second UCLA Philharmonia concert of the 2026-2027 season.
Schoenberg Hall Learn More
Jan 30 Sat
8:00pm
Free
Free
classical
21st Annual UCLA Philharmonia All-Star Concert Each year, the All-Star competition provides Music Department students with the opportunity to audition for the privilege of performing as soloists with the UCLA Philharmonia, the school’s flagship orchestra. Join
Schoenberg Hall Learn More
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From The Armenian Mirror-Spectator: Ani Sinanyan (2022), currently touring internationally as a solo violinist for the Piano Rhapsody concert series, took time from her schedule to perform at a public
Cellist Ben Hong Joins Faculty
Ben Hong, associate principal cello of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has joined the faculty as professor of cello performance.
Alumnus Christian Gonzales Profiled
Christian Gonzales (BM 2022) went on to Juilliard and is launching his performance and educational career in California. Read the profile by CanvasRebel.
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