Study at PSU

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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"Tomás Cotik believes that each student, no matter where they are at, can make a significant progress given the right tools which he provides without fail."
Tetyana ZlatovaJunior student at PSU
"Tomas is a passionate teacher who is committed to helping you cultivate and achieve your musical and professional goals"
Patricia JancovaFormer Student at the University of Miami
"Amazing violinist and teacher. Some of the most beautiful playing I have heard."
Ambrose PhilipekFreshman student at PSU
"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 WuMaster Student at PSU
"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 SchlusselPSU Graduate Performance Certificate Alumna
"During a master class in Round Top, Dr. Cotik helped us discover all the cues we can give our body to find a new way to relax and develop a more economic use of the body. I have been practicing yoga for several years now and his simple approach to Alexander Technique was a great enhancement to my playing, body awareness and energy expenditure."
Karim Ayala PoolStudent at Round Top Festival
"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. MoroProfessor Emeritus at Willamette University
"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 Carrage 14
"Studying with Prof. Cotik has helped me build more confidence in my playing and actually liking the sound I produce on my instrument"
Hunter HaynesJunior Student at PSU
"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 SilverUndergrad Student at PSU