Masumi Per Rostad

Masumi Per Rostad is an Associate Professor of Viola and Affiliate in Chamber Music at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester. He is a GRAMMY Award-winning violist, renowned for his performance career and pedagogical contributions. Rostad holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from The Juilliard School, where he studied under Karen Tuttle.

His research interests encompass classical viola performance, chamber music collaboration, and music education advocacy. He actively engages in cross-genre projects through festivals like DoCha and maintains a YouTube channel focusing on musical topics. Rostad's career includes over 20 years with the Pacifica Quartet and international touring with ensembles such as the International Sejong Soloists.

Award highlights include the Lillian Fuchs Award from Juilliard, the Cleveland Quartet Award, and Musical America's Ensemble of the Year (2009). He currently co-chairs the University of Rochester Faculty Senate and advocates for accessible classical music through innovative programming.