Violists in student-level orchestra programs are often at a disadvantage to their peers in others string sections for a variety of reasons: lack of challenging repertoire, limited access to viola-centered instruction, and instruments with inferior tone, to name a few. In an effort to address these problems in their own community, Martha Carapetyan and Ames Asbell founded the Austin Viola Workshop - a weekly viola-centered technique and ensemble skills class that supports the development of young violists in the Central Texas area. They will discuss viola ensemble work as a cornerstone in the development of the technical and ensemble skills necessary for success as a performer.
Martha Carapetyan grew up in a musical family and developed an early love of music. After attending Interlochen Arts Academy in high school, she earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of North Texas and Indiana University, respectively. Currently a tenured member of the Austin Symphony, she has also performed in the Houston, San Antonio, and New World Symphonies. A passionate teacher, Martha is co-founder of the Austin Viola Workshop and maintains a very active private studio, and previously served as adjunct faculty at Baylor University and Texas State University.
Violist Ames Asbell has performed in over 30 countries on five continents, in venues ranging from rock clubs to concert halls. She is currently Principal Viola of the Austin Opera orchestra, a member of the Austin Symphony, and performs regularly in the Arizona Musicfest and Victoria Bach Festival orchestras. As founding violist of the Tosca String Quartet, she is an active recording artist and a fixture in Austin’s vibrant classical crossover scene. A dedicated artist-teacher, she is currently Assistant Professor of Viola at Texas State University and founding director of the Texas State String Project.
