Edward Adelson

Interim Director

Area: Strings (Viola)
Edward Adelson

Edward Adelson assumed the position Interim Director of the School of Music on July 1, 2008. He has been a member of the faculty of the School of Music since 1983, where he serves as Professor of Viola. He has served as Associate Dean of the College of the Arts from 2001-2003, and as Associate Executive Dean of Arts and Sciences at Ohio State from 2003-2008. His role as Associate Executive Dean of Arts and Sciences involved oversight of the Arts and Sciences Office of Curricular Affairs and of Arts and Sciences Honors, as well as service as Chair of the Arts and Sciences Committee on Curriculum and Instruction. During his tenure as the Arts and Sciences curricular dean, he helped shepherd changes and revisions to many of the majors and minors offered by the five Arts and Sciences colleges, and was instrumental in the creation of new interdisciplinary majors and minors for Arts and Sciences students.

A noted performer and teacher, Adelson's students occupy positions in colleges and orchestras and distinguished chamber ensembles throughout the United States. Adelson is a former national president of the American String Teachers Association, was a member of the artist faculty at the Interlochen Center for the Arts from 1990-1998, and was on the faculty of the International String Workshops from 1998-2000. He also has been president of the Ohio String Teachers Association, and has been on national committees of the Music Teachers National Association. He has taught in Norway, Scotland, Austria, and France. His ensemble Dou Contemporain has given a number of premieres of new music for Viola and Piano, and he has performed as guest chamber musician with a number of prominent ensembles. From 1983-1995 Adelson served as Principal Viola of the Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus. He has performed as a member of the Manitou Music Festival, and has been associated with the Blossom and Spoleto Festivals. Adelson has given guest master classes at many of the premiere music schools in the United States.

Adelson received the Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award in 2000, and the School of Music Distinguished Teaching Award in 1993. He has been the recipient of two Citations for Exceptional Leadership and Merit from the American String Teachers Association. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Yale University.