Bio : Artists

Steven Kruse : Viola

Violist Steven Kruse teaches viola at the Heidelberg University (Tiffin, OH), plays in the Toledo Symphony, and performs as the principal violist of the Flint (Michigan) Symphony. He performed for six years as principal viola with the Kansas City Symphony and for four seasons as principal viola of the Kansas City Camerata, appearing as soloist with both groups. Dr. Kruse served on the faculty of the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri-Kansas City for twelve years. He has also held teaching positions at the University of Windsor (Canada), West Virginia University, Bowling Green State University, the University of Toledo, Hillsdale College, William Jewell College, the University of Notre Dame, and Bethany College in West Virginia. Dr. Kruse earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, and a doctorate from Ball State University. His principal teachers have been Lillian Fuchs, Milton Thomas, Robert Slaughter, and Jerzy Kosmala. He has performed in Germany, Taiwan, Romania, Canada, and Vietnam, where he appeared as both viola soloist and conductor. He currently serves on the faculty of the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina for his 18th season. Dr. Kruse has co-authored articles with his wife, Penny, in the Strad, American String Teacher, and the Journal of the American Viola Society. He is treasurer of the International Viola Society and past treasurer of the American Viola Society.