UPCOMING - APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3/1/2026
Inspiring Connections
Date: April 11, 2026
Venue: Baldwin Wallace Conservatory
The Ohio Violin Conference
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is an annual gathering that brings together violinists of all levels, who are aiming to perform at the highest level. Providing students the opportunity to learn from and network with violin professors in one location, OVC aims to inspire connections that jumpstart and enrich students' artistic careers.
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All events listed in the 'Schedule' will occur at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory in the historic Boesel Musical Arts Center in Berea, Ohio.
Building: Boesel Musical Arts Center
49 Seminary Street, Berea, OH
2026 OVC Faculty
Click image to access faculty bios.
Stephen Rose
Adjunct Professor of Violin
Indiana University Bloomington
*2026 OVC Masterclass Presenter*
Caroline Eva Chin
Associate Professor of Violin
Bowling Green State University
Timothy Lees
Assistant Professor of Violin
University of Cincinnati
Nathan Southwick
Assistant Professor of Violin
Ohio University
Steve Koh
Associate Professor of Violin
Baldwin Wallace Conservatory
Samuel Rotberg
Lecturer of Violin
Baldwin Wallace Conservatory
2026 OVC Schedule
Saturday
April 11, 2026
8:30 - 9
Check in
9 - 9:25
Opening Remarks
9:30 - 10:10
Lesson #1
10:15 - 10:55
Lesson #2
11:00 - 11:40
Lesson #3
11:40 - 12:30
Lunch
12:40 - 2:10
Masterclass with Guest Artist
2:15 - 2:55
Lesson #4
3:00 - 3:40
Lesson #5
3:45 - 4:00
Closing Remarks
​​Lesson:​​​
Each lesson is 40 minutes in duration, and all participants will be guaranteed a minimum of three one-on-one lessons with OVC faculty members. Final schedule for lessons will be shared with all participants on the Wednesday before the Program Start date. Auditors may request specific lessons to attend through the application form below.
Masterclass:​
​Three applicants with the strongest auditions will be selected to perform in the OVC masterclass with the 2026 Masterclass Presenter, Stephen Rose. The masterclass will be open to the public.
Lunch:​
​Boxed lunches will be provided for all OVC participants. Vegetarian options will be available upon request. Lunch will not be provided for auditors of the conference.
Application Process
Fees and Timeline
Applications Open:
Priority Deadline:
Standard Application Deadline:
Notification of Acceptance:
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Tuition Due:
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Program Date:
January 15, 2026
February 15, 2026
March 1, 2026
March 15, 2026
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April 1, 2026
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April 11, 2026
Priority Application Fee:
Standard Application Fee:
Program Tuition for Participants:
Program Tuition for Auditors:
$20
$30
$80
$20
Applications will be accepted starting on January 15 until March 15, 11:59 PM (EST). Application received before February 15 will be processed with the Priority Application Fee, while applications submitted between February 15 and March 15 will be processed with the Standard Application fee. Late applications will not be accepted.
Notification of acceptance will be emailed to all OVC participants on March 15, along with detailed instructions on the final onboarding process. Program Tuition for Participants will be due on April 1, and the final schedule for each participant will be made available on the Wednesday before the Program Date.
Application for auditing OVC will be accepted until the Program Start date. Audition video submissions are not required to audit the conference. If you would like to audit OVC, please follow instructions on the application. Please note promo codes may not be applied for the processing of the OVC Auditor Application.
Audition/Video Requirements
Applicants are required to complete the application and submit videos recorded within the last twelve months.​
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Audition videos must include two out of the three options below:​
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First or last movement from a standard violin concerto.
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One movement from the Bach Sonatas and Partitas.
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One work with or without piano written after 1980.
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Videos may be submitted as links to YouTube (unlisted/public) and Google Drive. Be sure your audition videos are titled with your name, piece, and movement played. All links should be working, easily accessible, and not require a password or sign in.
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​Submit your audition video using the application form below.
​For any questions regarding the audition process, please email: skoh@bw.edu
FAQs
Question: What is the difference between OVC Participant and OVC Auditor? Answer: OVC participants will have greater access to the OVC faculty members. Participants will have one-on-one lessons with the faculty, while auditors may only observe the lessons and masterclasses. Auditors will not have access to the faculty members during the lunch time and will neither be able to benefit from discounts nor participate in raffles featuring our sponsors' products.
Question: Are lessons open to the public? Answer: Up to you! On March 15, along with the Notification of Acceptance, each OVC participant will fill out an onboarding form in which lesson-observation preferences can be specified. If you do not wish others to observe your lessons, you can inform us through the form.
Question: When will I know who I will be studying with at OVC? Answer: Lesson schedule and pairing will be communicated to each OVC participant on March 15.
Question: As a participant, how much music should I prepare for the OVC? Answer: Each OVC applicant will have at least 3 lessons with 3 separate faculty members. For this reason, it is recommended that each participant prepare at least two - three pieces (i.e. one movement of a concerto, a movement of Bach or a movement of sonata) that are performance ready. It is also highly recommended that each participant bring the piano parts of the pieces, whenever applicable. Pianists will not be provided for the lessons but will be present in the Masterclass.
Question: Will I have any free time at OVC? Answer: Yes, all participants will have free time at some point during the event. During these times, participants may audit other participants' lessons or practice in the OVC designated practice rooms. Additionally, participants are encouraged to visit the vendor booths to service their instruments or try out new instruments and bows. Lastly, for those interested, BW campus tours can be arranged. Requests for campus tours can be made through the onboarding form, which will be emailed to all accepted applicants on March 15.
Vendors
Luthiers and instrument dealers will be on site to service your instruments and showcase their inventory.
Place your repair requests or instrument trials directly with the vendor through the link below. ​
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If you are a vendor and would like to be part of OVC, please contact skoh@bw.edu.
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Our Sponsors
