Yuliya Smead

Yuliya Smead is a faculty member in the Department of Music at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, specializing in violin performance and pedagogy. She holds a Doctorate from the M. Lysenko National Academy of Music and has extensive experience as a concertmaster in orchestras such as the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra and Fox Valley Symphony. Her roles include teaching at the Lawrence Academy of Music for 15 years and organizing the Concertmaster Series with the Fox Valley Symphony.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Violin Performance and Pedagogy, Ternopil Music College (Cum Laude)
• Master’s in Violin Performance and Pedagogy, M. Lysenko National Academy of Music (Cum Laude)
• Doctorate in Violin Performance and Pedagogy, M. Lysenko National Academy of Music (Full Scholarship)

Research & Performance Interests: Yuliya focuses on advanced violin techniques, pedagogical methodologies, and chamber music collaboration. She has performed internationally with ensembles like the North Shore Quartet and Fox Valley String Quartet, emphasizing cross-cultural musical expression and modern music interpretation.

Awards:

• Two-time Winner of Ternopil State Young Talent Competition
• Second Place, Gitaralia Poland Competition

Advising & Grants: With 20+ years of teaching experience, Yuliya mentors students in orchestral training and chamber music. She has organized masterclasses and coached youth symphonies but no explicit grants are noted.

Labs/Teams: Active member of the Ukrainian Chamber Ensemble Cluster, North Shore Quartet, and Fox Valley String Quartet. Organizes the Concertmaster Series performances and collaborates with the Paine Arts Center.