Strings Workshop by Grammy Award-Winners Mark and Maggie O’Connor Postponed

Program Rescheduled for Jan. 28; Includes Masterclasses, Method Classes, Orchestra Jam and Short Recital by O’Connors

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Grammy award-winning violinists Mark and Maggie O’Connor return to Gardner-Webb University on Jan. 28, 2023, for a strings workshop. (Previously, scheduled for Sept. 17.) Hosted by the GWU Department of Music, the event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center, 131 Tucker Drive.

All ages and all levels of violinists, violists, cellists, bass players and guitarists are welcome to attend. The program includes four hours of masterclasses and method classes, orchestra jam, and a short recital by Mark and Maggie. The public is invited to come at 3:20 p.m. for the recital.

Mark and Maggie will have time with each level—from beginners to advanced—on each instrument. Plus, a professional instructor for each instrument will have sessions with the students.  

Mark has won three Grammy awards and is a 13-time National Grand Champion on violin and guitar. He has sold over 3 million records and has recorded with Earl Scruggs, Johnny Cash and Yo-Yo Ma. Eight times Mark was named Country Music Artist of the Year.

Maggie, who has one Grammy award, has a unique background in both traditional classical violin training and American musical styles. She has regularly performed at the Grand Ole Opry with her husband in both band and duo configurations. In the classical world, she and her husband have performed around the globe, including the Leopold Auer Music Academy in Hungary and the Berlin Konzerthaus celebrating the centennial birthday of the legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin.

Mark is the author of a series of educational books called the O’Connor Method, which has become the fastest growing string method in the country. The O’Connor Method features American music styles, creativity, cultural diversity and western classical technical training.

The fee to attend is $15, which is due on the day of the workshop during registration and orientation at 11:30 a.m. Scholarships are available based on need. For more information, contact the orchestra teacher at your school or call or text Dr. Patricia Sparti, Gardner-Webb professor of music, at 704-466-4710 or email [email protected]

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.