Cordula Merks

Cordula Merks is a faculty member at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), where she teaches Violin Performance and Applied Lessons. As a professional violinist, she currently serves as Concertmaster of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and has held past roles such as First Assistant Concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony, Concertmaster of Germany's Essen Philharmonic, and guest positions with orchestras including the Houston Symphony and Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

• Education: Examen Tweede Fase (MM) from Amsterdam Conservatory, Performer's Certificate from Northern Illinois University

Her professional focus spans violin performance, chamber music, and orchestral leadership, informed by training under renowned teachers like Shmuel Ashkenasi and Herman Krebbers. Merks has performed extensively across the US, Israel, and Europe as a soloist and chamber musician. She emphasizes practice organization and goal-setting for students, reflecting her pedagogical philosophy.

Awards & Recognitions:

• Multiple prizes at Dutch national competitions
• Recognition in international competitions including the Johannes Brahms Competition in Austria

Merks is married to contrabassoonist Mike Gamburg and actively engages in family life and travel while pursuing her unrealized dream of creating a chamber music festival.