Pedagogy
Teaching has been my passion since my early teens…
Inspiring and educating young people is one of the most important aspects of my career…
Helping to nurture the next generation of violinists and concertgoers brings me immense satisfaction and a sense of purpose…
Giving back to my students creates a vital connection to what I received from my mentors and teachers…
Joanna Kurkowicz has established a notable reputation as an educator in the United States and abroad. After studying with her, students often continue their education at some of the most prestigious institutions, including the Juilliard School of Music, New England Conservatory, McGill University, and Bern Conservatory, among others. Many of her former students have become members of orchestras in the U.S., serving as principals and concertmasters. Additionally, several have won concerto competitions at various universities.
Orford Academy Canada
Joanna Kurkowicz is dedicated to her teaching and actively mentors students not only through private lessons. With her extensive experience as a concertmaster, she regularly conducts sectionals and leads workshops for major college and youth orchestras in the Boston area, including Williams College, Tufts University, and the New England Conservatory. Additionally, she works with the Boston Philharmonic and the Boston Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Joanna is often invited to judge both local and international competitions.
Orpheus Academy Vienna
Masterclasses
Ms. Kurkowicz is actively involved in festivals both in the U.S. and Europe. She conducts private and public masterclasses and invites many renowned violin teachers to visit U.S. universities to share their expertise with her students. Notable visitors to Williams College have included distinguished violin pedagogues such as Prof. M. Frischenschlager, Prof. M. Fried, Prof. Weilerstein, Prof. Yair Kless, Prof. Jaimie Laredo, Prof. Lucy, and Anne Robert.
Paganini Marathon 2020
Professor Kurkowicz collaborates with her students on various projects. Her international initiative, Paganini Marathon 2020, garnered over a thousand views on YouTube in a short time.
Joanna Kurkowicz and Friends
Her YouTube post featuring Joanna Kurkowicz and Friends, a performance by a conductor-less chamber orchestra made up of students and faculty, was very successful and received high praise.
Joanna Kurkowicz, an accomplished academic, delivered lectures sharing her expertise in violin technique.
Bach and Beyond Lecture/Masterclass
Elements of Violin Technique for composers
Testimonials (Joanna Kurkowicz’s teaching in the words of her students)
From the very first lesson, I was struck by Professor Kurkowicz’s passion and incredible level of detail. She can very quickly identify an issue with a student’s playing and has an array of specific technical exercises that address the issue head on. Her teaching style is meticulous and thorough. While many teachers often separate musicality from technique, Professor Kurkowicz recognizes that the two are intertwined; she is an expert at finding the right technical processes for achieving a certain musical goal.
I improved more during my time with Professor Kurkowicz than at any other point in my training. She has very high expectations for her students and never talks down to them. She treats each student as a valued individual and gives her full energy and attention to them during lessons. This drives students to want to improve in a way that many teachers don’t inspire.
Professor Kurkowicz goes to great lengths to understand the aims and goals of each of her students and tailors her teaching in accordance with that. She has a vast knowledge of the music world and understands what it takes to be successful as a professional musician. Because of this, she not only teaches her students instrumental excellence, but also gives them the tools they need to orient themselves in the real world.
—Ben Mygatt, Williams Alumn
It has been such an honor to be one of Joanna’s students and having her as my teacher has been one of the best parts of my college experience. I take private lessons with her and receive coachings for my piano trio, and the lessons and rehearsals feel like we are working together on a big project rather than just being taught. I look forward to my lessons and coachings and working on my skills and techniques every week. She is an amazing teacher and mentor and the amount of time and effort she dedicates really shows how much she cares for her students.
—Airi Matsushita , Tufts University
I have many fond memories of my time as Joanna’s student. She taught me to listen critically and to find my own voice, and through her artistry I was able to feel the music on a deeper level. Joanna taught me how to understand and interpret the emotional language of each piece, and I left Williams with a much more nuanced sense of musicality. Joanna’s playing and teaching left a lasting feeling of inspiration in me, and I wouldn’t be pursuing violin professionally now if it weren’t for her.
—Daniel Yu, Williams Alumn
Professor Kurkowicz is a fantastic teacher! She makes learning the violin an incredibly exciting and fulfilling experience. She really understands the unique strengths and challenges of her students, and is able to help them reach their full potential. What’s more, Professor Kurkowicz genuinely cares for her students and wants nothing but the best for them. Her guidance has allowed me to experience massive growth as a violinist!
—Lisa Ji, Williams College
I have seen Joanna teaching sectionals for professional musicians and students. She is extremely passionate and cares about music wholeheartedly. She makes everyone aware of what’s important, and brings the best out of them. She is a well-respected leader in the music industry. Her greatest strength is her attention to detail and her ability to adapt to the needs of the students.
—Yumi Okada, professional violinist, Boston
Studying with Joanna has been an important part of my artistic growth – her deep care for students shines in her teaching. Thank you for leading me to approach music with integrity and curiosity. I felt that I grew both musically and otherwise, and I learned to believe in myself and take challenges- I don’t think I’ve ever had a teacher who believed in me as you did. Thank you for being so caring.
—Hikaru, Juilliard Alumni , former concertmaster of BPYO
Joanna Kurkowicz brings her extraordinary knowledge and experience of the violin and its repertoire to every lesson with every student, and her passion is always evident. She is very exacting in all technical matters, and she consistently challenges her students to play with the utmost emotional conviction. At the same time, she never fails to praise generously when praise is due, and to encourage her students with empathy and humor. In short: Joanna Kurkowicz is a master teacher.
—Thomas Stumpf, concert pianist, faculty Tufts University
I just listened to your solo at the beginning of the Development ( Rachmaninov Symphony) from last night. I got tears in my eyes. I don’t think I have ever heard it so beautifully played, by anyone. It is great playing, like a jewel in a perfect setting.
You are the most dedicated, passionate and effective leader I could ever hope for.
—Ben Zander, conductor Boston Philharmonic Orchestra
Having known and performed with violinist Joanna Kurkowicz over a seventeen-year period, I have now (after some time) had the privilege of observing her teaching. In concise, warmly offered words and gestures, Kurkowicz is able to describe, demonstrate, and distill technical and musical concepts to and with her students as part of an ongoing dialogue. Watching her use of the bow arm is deeply instructive. Down the arm via the bow to the string, she communicates to students (and in concert to listeners) the essential contents of musical phrases—their shapes, sound qualities, and sweep/dynamic range. Regarding the left hand (fingerboard, strings), she simply articulates subtleties of tuning (including microtones), trills, harmonics, vibrato, and more. Her explanations are not only verbal, but involve physical demonstration. She works toward maximum effect with minimum effort, which takes presence and concentration.
Joanna Kurkowicz works WITH her students where they are and where they come from, never talking AT them. Yet she immerses in the moment of teaching and follows through with work at hand until a result is revealed. This kind of ‘fiercely gentle’ perseverance in search of grace and flexibility yields a noticeable musicality in all of her students, regardless of perceived ability or competency levels. Kurkowicz’s thorough, holistic approach benefits composers’ works and listening audiences’ engagement all at once.
—John McDonald, Composer and Pianist; Professor of Music, Tufts University
Professor Kurkowicz is a fantastic violin teacher. A key aspect of her instructional style has always been leading by example, whether that takes the form of demonstrating how a certain passage should be properly played in private lessons, performing in solo recitals or as a part of the Williams Chamber Players, or showing her first violinists how to decipher a difficult section. Her prolific discography speaks to her mastery of the instrument in addition to her well-informed interpretations of numerous composers spanning several centuries, from Brahms to Bacewicz. I would be pressed to recommend a more supportive, knowledgeable, and outgoing instructor than her.
—Richard O’Donnell, Williams College
It has been such a privilege to study with Joanna at Tufts. She puts color and life into music, and her passion and love for violin is inspiring. With each lesson, I feel myself growing so much as a musician.
—Kate Goldberg, Tufts University
Reflecting on your coaching with BPYO, I’ve witnessed firsthand Joanna’s exceptional ability to inspire and guide young musicians. It gave me a chance to ponder the profound influence Joanna had on the musical community and the lives of your students. I hope my words capture the essence of your remarkable talent and dedication.
As a conductor with extensive experience at both the Boston Philharmonic and the Kendall Square Orchestra, I have had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary impact of Joanna Kurkowicz in various capacities.
During my tenure as conducting fellow of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO), I witnessed firsthand the fruits of Joanna’s exceptional musicianship and leadership skills. Her technical proficiency, combined with a profound understanding of orchestral dynamics, elevates every performance. She has a unique talent for fostering a collaborative and inspiring atmosphere among musicians while adhering to the highest standards of artistic excellence.
As a violin coach for BPYO, Joanna’s influence extends even further. Her dedication to nurturing young talents is evident in her ability to communicate complex musical ideas with clarity and empathy. Joanna’s students emerge from her tutelage not only with enhanced technical abilities but also with a deeper appreciation for the emotive power of music. Her commitment to developing both the skills and the artistic sensibilities of young musicians is truly commendable.
In my current role as Music Director of the Kendall Square Orchestra, I have worked with numerous musicians who have studied under Joanna. The quality of her teaching is reflected in these individuals, who consistently demonstrate exceptional technique, musicality, and expressiveness. Joanna’s ability to impart a comprehensive understanding of music, combined with a passion for artistic expression, is clearly manifested in her students’ performances. They embody the high standards and musical excellence that Joanna instills in all her pupils.Time and again, Joanna’s students have shared with me their profound respect and gratitude for her mentorship and teaching, underscoring the lasting impact she has had on their musical journey.
Joanna is more than a gifted violinist and educator; she is a pivotal figure in the classical music community both in New England and abroad. Her influence as a teacher and mentor reverberates through her students, enriching the musical landscape wherever they perform. It has been an honor to work with musicians shaped by Joanna’s expertise, and I am continuously impressed by the caliber of talent she nurtures.
—Kristo Kondakci
David and Janet McCue Music Director, Kendall Square OrchestraAssistant Professor of Conducting,, Berklee College of Music, Boston
“Despite only having studied with Prof. Kurkowicz for a few months, I already feel she has helped me to make great strides in my playing. She is incredibly discerning, holding you to the highest standard without ever making you feel as if her standard is beyond your reach. She lets no imperfect note past, no phrase unexamined, no musical stone unturned. Throughout her feedback, she has an incredible ability to connect your musical expression with your technique, consistently working through technical weak spots and making the application to one’s repertoire evident. She is a joy to study under, always interested in your life outside of lessons and receptive to your interests and ideas.”
—Matthew Seliger, Tufts University
Professor Kurkowicz has helped me boost my skill level immensely. She has a unique talent for spotting subtle weaknesses in technique and pushing students to improve in that area; though she is detail-oriented and has a deep familiarity with standard repertoire (and lesser known pieces), she never misses the forest for the trees. She possesses an admirable level of confidence paired with an inspiring willingness to stand up for her students, and herself. Professor Kurkowicz has also always been very understanding of my health struggles and my competing commitments. I have greatly appreciated having the opportunity to study with her.
—Isabella Hayden, Williams College
It is my pleasure to offer this testimonial on behalf of violinist Joanna Kurkowicz. It was our very good fortune to bring Joanna to Williams over two decades ago. She has consistently shown strong leadership in every facet of her position in the Music Department. As Concertmaster and soloist in the Berkshire Symphony, and as a member of the Williams Chamber Players, she has always demonstrated uncompromising artistry for our students and professionals. In an atmosphere of high-level academic expectations at Williams, Joanna demands the same level of excellence from her students. The Music Department has enjoyed being the recipient of her talent and guidance for these many years.
—Ronny Feldman, Former Artist in Residence and conductor of Berkshire Symphony, Williams College