RUBEN MCFARLANE

(518)-466-8148
mcfarlane.ruben22@yahoo.com

413 Old Sharon Road

Canajoharie, NY, 13317

OBJECTIVE
Dedicated in the art of viola performance and teaching stringed instruments, I aim to shape the next
generation of violinists and violists as a performer and pedagogue.
EDUCATION
The Pennsylvania State University
May 2018 (Intended Graduation Date)
Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance
Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Music Education
Emphasis on String Education
GPA: 3.97 / 4.00
PERFORMANCE
Teachers
Tim Deighton
o Professor of Viola at Penn State University
Scott Slapin
o Member of Slapin-Soloman Duo and Studio
Leo Milman
o Orchestra Director at Canajoharie Central School
Solo Performances
Junior BM/BME Recital
Viola/Violin Seminar
Viola Studio Recital
Senior High School Recital
Masterclasses
Andrea Priester Houde
Donald Maurice
Edward Klorman
Scott Slapin
Shelly Tramposh

2014-present
Summer 2016
2005-2014

September 26, 2016

June 12, 2016
November 7, 2014
June 15, 2014
September 25, 2016
August 28, 2016
April 14, 2016
February 16, 2015
October 19, 2013

Orchestral
Williamsport Symphony Orchestra
2016-present
Penn State Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestra
2014-present
Empire State Youth Orchestra
2010-2014
o Traveled with orchestra on 2012 Asian Tour to China and South Korea
NYSSMA Conference All-State Symphonic Orchestra
2014
Chamber Music
Worked and performed in various ensembles:
2013-present
String quartets, trios, duets, and mixed ensembles
Festivals
Hartwick Summer Music Festival
2010 & 2011

Ithaca Summer Music Festival

Viola/Violin Seminar at Music From Salem

TEACHING
Private Lessons
Enriched elementary and middle school aged violin and viola students
Guided their progress though technique work and musical engagement
Summer Strings Viola Instructor
Engaged musical work with middle and high school viola students
Prepared the students for end-of-summer concert though private lessons

2013
2016

2012-Present

2016

Teaching Assistant at Neil Hellman School

2015
Parsons Child and Family Center, Albany, NY
Witnessed and experienced teaching students with trauma and other related special needs
Gained better understanding on teaching students with special needs
Collaborated with other teachers to have best musical experience for these students
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Professional Organizations
Penn State Chapter of the American Viola Society
o Treasurer (2015-2016) and president (2016-2017)
Penn State Chapter of American String Teacher Association
o Secretary (2016-2017)
Lifeguarding
Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown, NY
Canajoharie School District, Canajoharie, NY
Collaborated with co-workers in emergency situations
Interacted with public relations on a daily basis
Trained and certified in first aid and CPR, along with water safety skills
Dorm Tour Guide
Penn State University, University Park, PA
Guided prospective Arts and Architecture students, touring a local dorm
Informed them of the benefits of living in special living
Answered questions they had about the student experience at Penn State
AWARDS/HONORS
Presidents Freshman Award
Earned for receiving a 4.0/4.0 GPA during freshman year
National Honor Society
Elected by members into the societys treasurer position

2014-present
2015-present

2012-2016
2011-2013

2014-2016

March 2015
2013-2014