Teacher Experiences

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Michael Stratechuk, Hunter College High School Music Teacher

Michael Stratechuk/Instrument Lesson, $25/1 chance

There will be 2 winners.

1-hour violin lesson (no beginners please) or pre-competition, audition coaching session for any instrument. Times to be arranged at a mutual convenience.

 

M I C H A E L    S T R A T E C H U K

Music Director, Conductor, Violinist, Educator, Coach

 

Michael Stratechuk began his musical training at an early age studying with his father, a professional violinist, composer, conductor and a graduate of the Vienna Conservatory of Music. Mr. Stratechuk went on to earn a BFA from the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music and an MA from the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College studying both violin performance and conducting. His postgraduate studies include Columbia University, Teachers College, New York University, University of Miami and the American Conservatory of Music (Chicago)

His principal conducting teachers were Maurice Peress (assistant conductor to Leonard Bernstein, NY Philharmonic), Dino Anagnost, Paul Rudoff and David Rudge.

His principal violin teachers were Howard Koch, Elliot Magaziner and Ruth Waterman. He studied; Chamber Music with the Emerson String Quartet, the Tokyo String Quartet, Ani Kavafian, Ida Kavafian, Steven Tenenbom, Sol Greitzer, John Graham and Yuval Waldman; Baroque violin and Baroque performance practice with Nancy Wilson and Anthony Newman; Classical performance practice with Robert Levin and Steve Lubin; Contemporary music performance with Yehudi Wyner and Leo Kraft; Theory and Musicology with Myron Fink, Carl Schachter, David Gagne, Charles Burkhart and Henry Burnett.

Michael also earned a Certificate of Orchestral Studies from the National Orchestral Association (NOA). This included master classes with concertmasters and principal players from the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony and the Chicago Symphony and a 12-concert residency at Carnegie Hall. 

In 2004, Stratechuk was appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey.   He has since led the orchestra to critical acclaim through innovative programming, community engagement, and his commitment to up and coming talented young soloists as well as established, world-class musicians. He is also the founder and Music Director/Conductor of the Stratus Ensemble.  He has gained international praise for his thoughtful interpretations of the standard orchestral repertoire, unique insight into and affinity for compositions by American composers as well as his unbridled enthusiasm for preparing and performing contemporary works of all traditions and backgrounds. In addition he has acquired a deep depth of knowledge and experience of the String Orchestra literature.

  

Michael has an extensive national and international performance resume performing in many of the major concert halls in the US. This includes performances as a violinist with: New York Chamber Orchestra, New York Pops, New York Grand Opera Company, Brooklyn Philharmonic, American Spiritual Ensemble, Westchester Symphony, Greenwich Symphony, New Jersey State Opera, New Philharmonic of New Jersey, Westfield Symphony, New Jersey Festival Orchestra, The Mantovani Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Vic Damone, Dianne Carol, President Clinton and Pope John Paul II .

 

Internationally, he has performed as both conductor and/or violinist in Japan, South Korea, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Bermuda.

Mr. Stratechuk has served on the music faculty of the Hunter College Campus Schools, City University of New York, since 1992 where he serves as Director of Instrumental Music and directs and conducts several orchestras, teaches music theory and history, and also coaches chamber music.

Previously, he served as the orchestra director of the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, Center for Preparatory Studies in Music as well as the Rudolf Steiner School.

Michael’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the field of Music Education is evident in both the awards and recognitions he has received as well as in the vast domestic and global pedagogical connections he has personally fostered.   These include educational associations with: New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Company, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, Harlem Chamber Players, The Antara Ensemble, Sweet Plantain String Quartet, Pedro Giraudo Tango Orchestra, Lycee Francais, Columbia Grammar, Karl Popper Schule (Austria), Koenyogakeun High School (Japan), Brno Music Academy (Czech Republic) and Perugia University (Italy). Among the educational honors he has received are a “Mr. Holland’s Opus” award a “Grammy Signature School” award and being chosen to become a member the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Teachers Council and of New York’s “Academy for Teachers”. As an award winning chamber music coach both his High School and Junior High School chamber music ensembles have been regularly selected to perform in Lincoln Center’s Rose Studio and Alice Tully Hall as winners of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s “Young Musicians” and “Young Ensembles” competitions since 1994.

Prague Tribune 

“Special mention must be made of Maestro Stratechuk’s treatment of the Bartok (Romanian Folk Dances) which was outstanding!  …  (it was) the most thoughtful and perceptive interpretation I have yet heard in this hall (Simon and Judea, Prague) …

After intermission it became abundantly clear that he has a flair for American Music as well.  The audience left with smiles!”

Ales Poderal - Conductor Brno Conservatory of Music

“Stratechuk began the rehearsal by immediately setting a fire under the orchestra thus bringing new life and energy to the Copland (Rodeo) Bravo!”

Leon Hyman - Music Director New Philharmonic of New Jersey

“Stratechuk possesses the ability to extract the very best out of his orchestras. I am consistently pleased with his performances.”

James Neglia - Personnel Manager New Jersey Symphony, Director Arts Alive  

                         International

“Stratechuk displays a spirit of enthusiasm and energy that I find refreshing.”

Ira Taxin - Composer/Musician the Julliard School

“It is my pleasure to know the work of Maestro Stratechuk. He is the consummate musician’s musician.”