Brian Allen

Brian Allen is a Lecturer at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Principal Second Violinist of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. He earned his D.M.A. in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, following B.M. and M.M. degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Jaime Laredo and William Preucil. His professional experience includes a one-year contract with the St. Louis Symphony and nine summers at the Aspen Music Festival and School under concertmasters David Halen and Robert Chen.

• B.M., Cleveland Institute of Music
• M.M., Cleveland Institute of Music
• D.M.A., Violin Performance - University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Allen focuses on violin pedagogy, particularly left/right hand coordination and Pythagorean Expressive intonation. His research interests lie in advanced string techniques and orchestral training methodologies. As a performer, he has reached finalist stages in multiple prestigious concertmaster auditions and gained recognition through solo performances at Aspen.

• Finalist in three major orchestra concertmaster/assistant concertmaster auditions
• Soloist with Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra

Allen studied at the Indiana University String Academy under Brenda Brenner and Mimi Zweig, later refining his skills at the University of Michigan with David Halen. His teaching philosophy emphasizes structured practice knowledge and sustained student motivation.