Robert Becker, M.M.

Robert Becker was recently appointed to the position of Assistant Professor and full-time Director of String Studies at Chapman University’s Conservatory of Music.  Although an adjunct professor of Viola there for many years, the 2008-09 academic year brought new duties, challenges and involvement with the students.  Internationally known as a pedagogue of the viola and chamber music, he is dedicated to the training of young violists and string players for a future career in performing, teaching, chamber music and orchestral playing.  Mr. Becker’s former students are presently serving in the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, opera companies, numerous string quartets nationwide and teaching capacities at all levels of education.  His past academic affiliations include the Juilliard School, Mannes College of Music, University of California Irvine, Azusa Pacific University, and as faculty and former coordinator of student chamber music for the Aspen Music Festival.

Mr. Becker has served as the Principal Viola of the Pacific Symphony since 1982.  Additionally during the 2009-10 season, he will once again serve as Principal and Solo Viola for America Ballet Theatre’s West Coast performances at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.  The PSO’s “Café Ludwig” chamber music series at the Samueli Theatre will include Mr.  Becker in performance with his principal string chair colleagues and pianist Orli Shaham.  Highlights of this season’s repertory will include Brahms’ A Major Piano Quartet, in addition to the Mozart “Kegelstatt” Trio, Debussy’s Trio Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp, and the Schumann Piano Quintet in E-flat. 

After transferring from Vanderbilt/Peabody to New York’s Juilliard School, Robert Becker received both Bachelor and Masters of Music from that prestigious institution.  During his time there, he served as the assistant to Robert Mann-founder of the Juilliard String Quartet-for an unprecedented three years, and received the Werter Award for “outstanding contribution to the field of chamber music” upon graduation.  A Naumberg Award winner and a founding member of the American String Quartet, he was also awarded the Vera Barstow First Prize in the Coleman Chamber Music Competition as a member of that ensemble.  Later joining the New York String Quartet, his chamber music career has included performances worldwide.  Venues have included the Aspen Music Festival, Carnegie Hall, the 92nd  Street Y series in New York, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Festival Dei Due Monde in Spoleto, Italy and other European cities, as a member of both quartets and as a solo performer.

Mr. Becker’s orchestral experience includes service as Principal Viola of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra appointed at age 17 under the baton of Thor Johnson, American Symphony under Leopold Stokowski, Co-principal Viola of the Juilliard Concert Orchestra, Aspen Festival Orchestra-Assistant Principal Viola, Aspen Chamber Orchestra-Assistant Principal Viola, Principal Viola for concerts with Placido Domingo, invited guest Principal Viola for the New York Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Assistant and Principal Viola of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and many others.  Serving as Opera Pacific’s Principal Viola since its inception, he was saddened along with the Orange County community when that organization could no longer continue due to financial stresses. 

Mr. Becker’s credits on film scores and recordings are too numerous to list.  As of 2009, he has recorded for over 400 film scores, television, and HBO.  His recordings include chamber music with the American String Quartet, New York String Quartet, and all of the recordings made by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra since 1982-Respighi, Takemitsu, Danielpour, Goldenthal, etc.  Background recordings include a career spanning genres and artists from Elvis to Elton John and everything in between-Johnny Cash, Madonna, Aerosmith, Ray Charles, Ray Price, Barbara Streisand- including jazz recordings with Wayne Shorter, among others.  Recently serving as Principal Viola on George Clooney’s new film “Up in the Air” and the new season of “Desperate Housewives” he has greatly reduced his entertainment recording career as his commitment to teaching has increased.

Founder of the “Viola Workout” that takes place every year in Crested Butte, Colorado, to focus young string players on technique, musical development, chamber music, and teaching techniques, Robert Becker’s teaching priorities include personal growth and physiological awareness for healthy playing.  In addition to the required practicing and master class participation while in Colorado, his students also must learn to fly fish, hike safely at altitude, and write poetry!!! 

Joining his family in Africa several years ago to work on water wells and water safety for the community of Limuru, Kenya, Mr.  Becker continues to be a dedicated but mediocre golfer, amateur chef, avid but frustrated fly fisherman, and VERY slow backpacker.  One who is constantly amazed by the artistic talent present in Orange County, he is eternally grateful for the support of that community.

Mr.  Becker’s professional memberships include the American Viola Society and American String Teachers Association among others.