Cello with J H.

J Holzen is a recent Oberlin Conservatory graduate, where they were a recipient of the Ruth Roush scholarship. They received their Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance with Darrett Adkins. In September, they began their Master’s degree at DePaul University with Brant Taylor. A passionate orchestral musician, Holzen was selected to perform with the Oberlin Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in January 2019. They also frequently sat as principal of the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra. While attending Oberlin, they discovered their love for contemporary music and sought out collaborations with faculty and student composers in the Conservatory. They recently played on three recording projects on the Oberlin Music label by composers Bernard Rands, Stephen Hartke, and Elizabeth Ogonek. They also regularly collaborate with their partner: composer, conductor, and singer Benjamin T. Martin. Holzen was also involved with education programs in the Oberlin area. They coached sectionals and chamber music with the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras, worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Oberlin Arts and Sciences Orchestra, and kept a private studio consisting of students ages eight to 21, beginning cellists to advanced musicians. Holzen has appeared in master classes with artists including Matt Haimowitz, Hannah Collins, Nina Lee of the Brentano String Quartet, and members of the St. Lawrence String Quartet. During the summer months, they have attended PhoenixPhest; Rocky Ridge Young Artist Program, with Si-Yan Li; Meadowmount School of Music, with Hans Jensen; and Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, with Matthew Zalkind. Holzen’s love of music and teaching began while growing up in the St. Louis area; their parents are both public school music teachers. Their parents’ support, in addition to their work with Ken Kulosa, had a profound impact on Holzen’s early studies.