Greetings Family, Friends, and Colleagues,
It has been a few months since I have posted on my blog on this website. There have been a lot of exciting changes in my life over the past few months. I have been keeping my nose to the grindstone since the summer, but I have a lot of exciting things to share.
I started a new position back in August! I started working at Sacred Heart University, in Fairfield, Connecticut, with a dual role as Strings Orchestra Coordinator and Instructor of Violin and Viola. In the Strings Orchestra Coordinator role, I have been conducting string sectional rehearsals with the Symphonic Orchestra, and playing a bit of violin with the orchestra. I have also been coaching a few chamber ensembles– including a Cello Quartet, Violin Ensemble, and a Baroque Ensemble. In addition to that, I have been involved with a bit of admin work, which will involve recruiting string players for future years. I also have been teaching Violin and Viola lessons.
While teaching viola at the college level is nothing new for me at this point, teaching the violin to college students is. I am grateful to have incredibly supportive colleagues there, and the honor of getting to work with many fascinating and hardworking students. A majority of the current string players are non-Music Majors, but are passionate about making music, and have been a ton of fun to work with. We are also looking to expand our program with more music majors, especially among string players. If you know of anyone who is interested in studying at Sacred Heart University, please don’t hesitate to reach out. In fact, we also will be having our annual ORCHESTRA DAY, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Sacred Heart University. This is open to all prospective High School students, with a chance to play side-by-side with our string players, and have the chance to learn about Audition Prep!
I have also had several opportunities to collaborate with some of the choral ensembles on campus, performing on solo violin, and even performing as Concertmaster on Schubert’s Mass in G Major back in November. What is also exciting is that I will be joining the Orchestra and Band on their Nordic Tour in January 2026, traveling to and performing in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark! I will probably share some updates while I am on tour.
You probably have a few questions… and here are the answers to the questions that are most likely. Are you still living in New York? YES, very much so. Are you still teaching viola at Queens College? YES, absolutely! In fact, we had our 5th Annual Aaron Copland School of Music Viola Day on Tuesday, November 11th, where he hosted over 60 VIOLISTS– Middle Schoolers, High Schoolers, College Students, Grad Students, Orchestra Teachers, and Professional Violists! This was by far our largest Viola Day yet, and arguably one of our most fun! We are also having our first ever String Day at Queens College on Sunday, February 8, 2016.
Am I still performing? You bet I am! In fact, I have a few exciting projects under my sleeve, that I will be announcing in the New Year. With that, I am in the works of developing a new website that will help to showcase some of my upcoming projects and performances. I am also still open and interested in collaborating with other musicians, not just around New York City and the metropolitan area, but I am open and interested in collaborations for any exciting projects that you have in mind!
Gregory K. Williams 