WORLD-CLASS INSTRUCTION IN OREGON’S PERFORMING ARTS CAPITAL
Located in the heart of Portland’s performing arts district, the School of Music & Theater at Portland State University is an extraordinary place to realize your potential as a performing artist. Our world-renowned faculty of performers, composers, and scholars is deeply engaged with the community and dedicated to student success. We will challenge you to grow and excel personally and musically as we prepare you to be the next generation of world-changing teachers, performers, scholars, composers, and arts advocates
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Tomas has helped me begin to understand how my whole body affects my sound. He’s taught me that I am my own teacher and that practicing is a process of exploration and discovery.
Noah Carr
age 14
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After taking lessons with Tomás, I felt a greater sense of control and agency in my own playing, especially in the areas of my playing that felt like long-term weaknesses. Feeling that agency gives a rush of inspiration and motivation to keep challenging myself.
Nicky Silver
Undergrad Student at PSU
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Tomás is a rigorous, encouraging, and playfully creative teacher. He balances deep attention to technical and musical concerns, emphasizing body mechanics while insisting on the ear as the ultimate guide.
Pamela A. Moro
Professor Emeritus at Willamette University
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He doesn’t pretend he has all the right answers but he gives me choices so that I can discover a personal solution.
Tetyana Zlatova
Junior student at PSU
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Tomás revolutionized the way that I physically approach my instrument, helping me finally recover from lifelong injuries and tension and play with more freedom, beauty, tone, and accuracy than ever before. I am so grateful to have finally found a teacher that knows how to help me approach my body and technique in a healthy way.
Zoe Schlussel
PSU Graduate Performance Certificate Alumna
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Tomás has a genuine interest in his students’ progress. He is dedicated to teaching as much as he is to playing the violin
Tetyana Zlatova
Junior student at PSU
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Dr. Cotik is a phenomenal violinist who has a profound understanding and patience with his students. Practicing has become much more efficient, fun and productive. I feel more confident when performing.
Shion Yamakawa
Masters student at PSU
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His teaching, recordings, and publications are informed by thoughtful study of the relevant scholarship. Lessons are challenging but always fun, and inspire me to make the most beautiful music possible.
Pamela A. Moro
Professor Emeritus at Willamette University
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Tomas is a passionate teacher who is committed to helping you cultivate and achieve your musical and professional goals
Patricia Jancova
Former Student at the University of Miami
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Dr. Cotik’s unyielding work ethic and subsequent success as an artist and educator is inspiring and motivating for his students
Patricia Jancova
Former Student at the University of Miami