Universities Orchestra Center

The Monument Piano Trio

Founded in 2004 by three friends and musicians who love and embrace chamber music, the Monument Piano Trio has quickly proven itself as a talented and promising ensemble. After a critically acclaimed debut, the Trio was invited to be the first Artists-in-Residence at An die Musik - a cozy chamber music venue in the heart of Baltimore's cultural district. Coming from different musical backgrounds, each member of the trio brings something unique in their style of playing. Together, the styles and genres unify into one distinctive sound. Critics have called the trio "Excellent" and "Breathtaking", and their concerts have been consistently well received by the public... Read more...

Violist Karin Brown received critical acclaim for her “strikingly rich and warm tone” (The Strad) after making her solo recital debut at Weill Recital Hall. Ms. Brown is a violist in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and performs frequently as a solo and chamber musician in the Baltimore/Washington area. She made her Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concerto debut performing the Britten Double Concerto with Concertmaster Jonathan Carney, of which The Baltimore Sun noted “Karin Brown sculpted her phrases in a rich, subtly shaded tone. She will make her Chicago recital debut with radio broadcast at the Dame Myra Hess series in 2008. Read more...

About Me

A student of music, life, and collector of great musical recordings, I have been a musician since 1983: studying theory, composition, and works for the violin, piano, and guitar. I began teaching, performing, and composing in 1987. In 1995, I became a computer programmer by trade (not choice) because it was a more lucrative career for me. I made this page for myself to have one centralized place to naviagte all violin webs I am interested in.

My violin is a Scott Cao Artistic Series Model STV-850: Artistic Recreation of Paganini's Il Cannone (Cannon) Violin from 1743.

Recently, I have started an online journal documenting my violin thoughts and experiences

One day I hope to give recitals containing music entirely composed by me, with some other composers mixed in. My dream and the essence of my existence is to write music with substance for the violin.

For me, music is about romance. Therefore to fully understand the violin is to fully understand romance: the sadness of a tear, the beauty of a woman, the joy of a love, anger, jealousy, and the full range of emotions that go with being human. Playing music is about expressing this dynamic contrast of emotions, therefore a good interpreter is able to communicate with a sence of emotion and dynamics. These emotions translate so well through the violin without having to say a word.

Like any serious musician, I am a hopleless romantic and try to never stop learning and growing.