Yuri Gandelsman

Hailed by the Jerusalem Post as "undoubtedly one of the greatest violists of our time," Yuri Gandelsman brings over four decades of international performing and pedagogical experience to his students. As a prolific soloist, esteemed orchestral leader, renowned chamber musician, and dedicated educator, his multifaceted career spans the world's most prestigious stages and academic institutions. He offers rigorous, tailored online instruction designed to help violists and chamber musicians achieve high-level technique, expressive depth, and professional success.

Professor Gandelsman’s teaching career includes serving as Professor of Viola at Michigan State University from 2008 to 2022, as well as holding positions as Professor of Viola and Chair of the Chamber Music Department at the Rubin Academy of Music at Tel Aviv University from 1990 to 2002. He has also shared his expertise as a Guest Professor at prestigious institutions such as Yale University and the Paris Conservatoire, and has led masterclasses across the globe at the Beijing Conservatory, Jerusalem Academy, Keshet Eilon, Mersin University, Düsseldorf Hochschule, and Hannover Hochschule. His former students currently hold prominent positions in leading orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout Europe and Israel, and have secured top prizes at major international competitions.

Prior to his academic leadership, Professor Gandelsman earned his Bachelor of Arts (1975) and Master of Arts (1977) from the Gnessin Institute in Moscow, Russia. Over his distinguished performance career, he served as Principal Viola of the Moscow Virtuosi (1980–1990) and the Israel Philharmonic (1990–2000), and performed worldwide as a member of the acclaimed Fine Arts Quartet (2001–2008). Throughout his career, he has collaborated in concert with legendary artists including Shmuel Ashkenazi, Yuri Bashmet, Yefim Bronfman, James Buswell, Lynn Harrell, Joseph Kalichstein, Leonidas Kavakos, Evgeni Kissin, Robert Levine, Midori, Shlomo Mintz, Sviatoslav Richter, Gil Shaham, Janos Starker, Arnold Steinhardt, Pinchas Zukerman; Borodin Quartet, Huberman Quartet, Peterson Quartet, Talich Quartet, Shostakovich Quartet, and regularly serves on juries for international music competitions in Italy, France, and Israel.

I teach viola to advanced students, young professionals, and accomplished musicians of all ages who love music and are dedicated to reaching their highest potential. Drawing from more than four decades of international experience as an acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, principal violist of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and university professor, I offer a comprehensive teaching approach that combines deep musical understanding with technical mastery and personalized guidance.

My instruction encompasses the full spectrum of the viola repertoire—including masterworks for solo viola, complex chamber compositions, and major orchestral excerpts. As a soloist who has performed worldwide with top orchestras and chamber partners, I help students develop a nuanced artistic voice, compelling musical phrasing, and dynamic stage presence. In lessons, you will learn conscious, purposeful, and efficient strategies for the practice room, empowering you to become your own best teacher and cultivate the physical freedom and technical precision required for high-level performance.

Having served as Principal Violist under Maestro Zubin Mehta and as a longstanding member of the Fine Arts Quartet, I provide specialized insight into both ensemble collaboration and audition readiness. I offer rigorous preparation for orchestral auditions, graduate school admissions, and international competitions. Generations of my former students now hold prominent positions in leading orchestras and chamber groups globally; through tailored, high-level mentorship, I am committed to helping you build the confidence, standards, and artistic vision needed for a fulfilling and successful career.