Salley Koo

Salley Koo is an Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of Illinois's School of Music, part of the Department of Strings. She is an internationally renowned violinist and educator with affiliations spanning multiple institutions, including previous roles at Adelphi University, Montclair State University, and the University of Connecticut. Her teaching focuses on violin performance and chamber music coordination.

Education: Dr. Koo holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from Stony Brook University, a Master of Music and Artist Diploma from Yale University, and an undergraduate degree in English and American Literature from Harvard University.

Research and Performance Interests: Her musical expertise spans early classical to contemporary compositions, with collaborations at festivals like Tanglewood, Ravinia, and Caramoor. She actively engages with composers such as Julia Wolf and Osvoldo Golijov, and performs with ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra and International Contemporary Ensemble.

Teaching and Outreach: Koo has extensive teaching experience through programs like the Green Lake Chamber Music Festival, Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, and the Opus 118 We Want Music! initiative in Harlem. She emphasizes chamber music pedagogy and community engagement.

Performance Highlights: Notable performances include solo appearances at Vienna’s Musikverein, Carnegie Hall, and Lebanon’s IMAGINE Workshop. Her instrument is a violin crafted by Mario Miralles.