About JIM
Jim Batts holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and a M.M from Rice University. He studied with Paul Kling, Milton Preves, and
Henry Meyer of the LaSalle Quartet.
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He is an active recitalist and chamber music collaborator, and has served as principal violinist and violist in chamber orchestras in the Midwest and Eastern United States. He has participated in tours throughout the Eastern United States and Mexico. Jim has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, Kentucky Opera Association, Louisville Bach Society, Brevard Music Festival, Washington Chamber Symphony, as well as chamber recitals at Kennedy Center, Corcoran Gallery, National Gallery and the French, German, Russian and Greek embassies. He has performed on original instruments with the Washington Bach Consort, Handel Society and the Orchestra of the 17th Century.
Jim's faculty appointments include James Madison University and Levine School of Music, where he was the Department Chair. He now has an active private teaching studio for piano, violin, and viola, with emphasis on adult students, from complete beginners to advanced players.
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About JEFF
Jeff Van Osten began his cello studies with Jerome Carrington of the Juilliard Pre-college Division. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, where he also earned his master’s degree in Early Music. His teachers at Indiana included Janos Starker, Gary Hoffman, and Helga Winold.
For 25 years, he lived in the Washington DC/Baltimore area, performing regularly with the Alexandria Symphony, the Fairfax Symphony, and the Arlington Symphony, as well as at the Kennedy Center.
He was a member of the Argonne String Quartet for five years, as well as the Fairfax Chamber Ensemble. He has been a faculty member of the Levine School of Music for 23 years, where he specializes in teaching adult students. He has lived in Raleigh NC since 2021.
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Over his teaching career, Jeff has taught students of all ages and at all levels, from those interested in exploring the instrument for the very first time to those with many years of experience. In addition to his work with children and adults, he is also an experienced and encouraging coach of chamber music groups.
