We’re thrilled to announce a season-long string masterclass series! The series began on October 4 with violinist Simon Zhu, and over the coming months we’ll welcome masterclasses led by acclaimed cellists, violinists, and violists — a wonderful opportunity for our academy, Pre-College, and Chamber Music Program students to learn from distinguished artists and hear their insights up close. Cellist James Kim and violinist David Coucheron are Visiting Artists at the academy this year, and their masterclasses are part of their ongoing engagements with WPMA. Masterclasses will take place at our WPMA campuses as well as at various other locations.
Masterclass Schedule
Simon Zhu, violin
Winner of the 2023 International Violin Competition “Premio Paganini” in Genoa, Simon also won Second Prize at the 2021 Menuhin Competition.
Sunday, October 4, 5:00 PM — WPMA Alpharetta Campus (event details)
James Kim, cello
Assistant Professor of Cello at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music, James has been praised by The New York Times for his “admirable purity of tone and accuracy” and has performed as a soloist with the Boston Symphony and the Royal Philharmonic of London.
Thursday, November 5, 6:00 PM — WPMA Alpharetta Campus (event details)
March 2027 (date TBA)
David Coucheron, violin
Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 2010, David was the youngest concertmaster of any major U.S. orchestra when he was appointed.
Friday, November 6, 1:00 PM — WPMA Alpharetta Campus (event details)
Spring 2027 (date TBA)
Itamar Zorman, violin
Winner of the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition, Itamar is an Associate Professor of Violin at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and a member of the Lysander Piano Trio alongside cellist James Kim.
December (date TBA)
Photo: Jamie Jung
Sergiu Schwartz, violin
Sergiu has performed on four continents and is Professor and holder of the Turner Distinguished Chair in Violin at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music.
January (date TBA)
Zhenwei Shi, viola
Principal Viola of the Pittsburgh Symphony and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Zhenwei was appointed to the ASO by Robert Spano at age 23 and has performed with artists including Joshua Bell and Steven Isserlis.
February (date TBA)
Additional artists may be announced for our spring lineup.
Dates will be shared on our Guest Artist Masterclasses and News pages.
Masterclasses at WPMA
Masterclasses at WPMA play an important role in how our students learn and grow as musicians. They give students the chance to perform, receive thoughtful feedback from experienced artists, and hear new ideas that often spark real breakthroughs in their playing, while audience members benefit from listening closely and learning alongside them. These sessions create a shared learning environment that encourages curiosity, reflection, and inspiration across all levels. WPMA is committed to creating meaningful masterclass experiences so young musicians can learn from outstanding artists right here in Atlanta, GA. Learn more about past artists and WPMA’s masterclass series at https://wpmusicacademy.com/performance/guest-artist-masterclasses/.
About William Pu Music Academy
The William Pu Music Academy is a private, award-winning, conservatory-style music academy in Atlanta. WPMA offers music education programming taught by the finest musicians and pedagogues in all of Georgia. In addition to taking 1-on-1 instrument lessons with highly-trained faculty, students at WPMA study music theory & sight-reading, participate in monthly recitals, studio classes, masterclasses with guest artists, and perform in chamber and orchestra ensembles. Academy students receive a rich and comprehensive music education, supported by a dedicated faculty. In this environment distinguished by its community and learning opportunities, WPMA students frequently compete and succeed in state and nation-wide auditions. Learn more about WPMA and previous student achievements at wpmusicacademy.com.
