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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Dr.Cotik is an excellent violinist and teacher. His teaching approach helped me to understand how to practice more effectively. I am so glad I can study with him at PSU!
Shawn Wu
Master Student at PSU
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His ability to discover solutions and create personalized exercises to overcome technical challenges is unparalleled–Tomas teaching is boundlessly creative
Patricia Jancova
Former Student at the University of Miami
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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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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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He has very high expectations and his work ethic is extraordinary. Dr. Cotik has helped me to truly listen to my own sound, and he has taught me that you can be the best teacher of yourself
Shion Yamakawa
Master Student at PSU
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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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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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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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Professor Cotik consistently demonstrates his passion for teaching by tailoring to the individual student’s immediate needs and long term career goals
Viet Block
Master Student at PSU