James Ehnes Gives Master Class to Preparatory Students at CIM

Renowned violinist James Ehnes came by the Cleveland Institute of Music on Saturday morning to give a master class for students in CIM’s Preparatory and Continuing Education Division. “Known as a brilliant technician, thoughtful musician and all-around great guy, Mr. Ehnes spent his morning huddled in our President’s office with our talented young string players.  A standing-room only crowd laughed, applauded and cheered their way through the class,” said Cleveland Orchestra and CIM faculty member Martha Baldwin, who organized the event. 

Ehnes worked with four students, ages 11-17, from a range of the Division’s programs including Suzuki, the Young Artist Program and chamber music. After witnessing a particularly innovative fingering from student Phoenix Avalon, Ehnes said, “You and I could be good friends.”

The class concluded with a short Q&A and included probing questions such as, “How do you deal with nerves?” and “Are you a Blue Jays fan?” which sparked honest conversation.  “The Prep Division is honored to have had the opportunity to present our brilliant students with the chance to work with one of our generation’s best violinists,” says Baldwin.