After 31 years as the associate concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra, Elisabeth Adkins has decided to change the direction of her career.
Adkins is now a violin professor at TCU. She said she was not necessarily looking to move into teaching but “TCU was in a good place at a good time.”
“I am very happy that I have accepted the appointment,” she said.
The new violin professor said she felt that it was time for her to pass on the information she has learned over her many years of playing.
Richard Gipson, director of the school of music, wrote in an email that, “[Adkins] has impeccable performing credentials and simply is an extraordinary artist and impactful teacher.”
Adkins made her debut violin perforemance at TCU for students, faculty and friends Sept. 15 at the first Music Chamber Series showcase of the academic year.
“It’s very exciting and I am happy to be able to be in performance for my brand new students…and be able to show them the things I am teaching them applied in the real world,” Adkins said.
The showcase featured Adkins, other TCU professors who play different instruments and two professionals from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The show was separated into two music selections. The Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 by Ludwig van Beethoven was played by Adkins and six others. Following that, Adkins and five others played the Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op. 18 by Johannes Brahms.
Misha Galaganov, viola professor and one of the performers in the septet group, said it was easy for him to perform with Adkins.
“It was wonderful,” Galaganov said. “For me personally, I have a great connection with her both musically and as an ensemble player.”
One student called the arrival of Adkins, “a blessing.”
Senior performance major, Julian Tello Jr., said “I and several others are extremely excited because we went two years without a formal violin teacher.”
Adkins, a Denton native, said she had not been back to this area for many years.
“I’m enjoying being back in Fort Worth its closing a very large circle for me,” she said.
Several individuals are looking forward to seeing the developments Adkins will make in the violin department.