Zeitlin named distinguished professor

Zvi Zeitlin, internationally known violinist and one of the leading violin professors in the United States, has been named Distinguished Professor of Violin at the Eastman School.

"Zvi Zeitlin is a great artist. He enriches us with his humanity, devotion to teaching, and vision of beauty. We congratulate him on this great honor," said Nicholas Goluses, chair of the string department.

Zeitlin is the first Eastman faculty member to receive this title, and it is the second time he has been the first to receive a new title at the school: In 1974, Zeitlin was the first to be named Kilbourn Professor.

Born in Russia and raised in Israel, Zeitlin received much of his musical education in the United States. At age 11, he became the youngest scholarship student in the history of the Juilliard School, studying with Sascha Jacobsen, Louis Persinger, and Ivan Galamian.

Zeitlin joined the Eastman faculty in 1967. He has given master classes in many of the major universities in the United States and Canada, and has taught in conservatories around the world.

For 26 years, Zeitlin has directed the violin program at the Music Academy of the West Summer Festival. His students have won many competitions, hold leading positions in top orchestras and chamber groups throughout the world, and are teachers at many institutions.

Known as a champion of 20th century music, Zeitlin has premiered works by composers ranging from Stravinsky to Schoenberg with leading orchestras under the baton of the world's greatest conductors. He also was a founding member of the Eastman Trio, which recorded for Vox and CRI. As a soloist, Zeitlin has recorded for numerous labels, including Gasparo, which recently released his new CD.