Symposium for Women and Nonbinary Bassists
at the Curtis Institute of Music
May 22-25, 2025
We welcome bassists of all levels to participate in a program designed to empower, support, and inspire musicians at every stage of their journey.
Program Highlights:
• One-hour private lesson with a faculty member
• Five masterclasses with our esteemed faculty
• “Careers in Music” workshop with Mary Javian
• Composition Workshop with Kebra-Seyoun Charles
• Faculty Recital
• Exclusive Curtis Institute campus tour led by Curtis students
• Lunches provided with faculty and fellow participants
• NEW: Orchestral Training Program with Nina DeCesare, featuring an orchestral competition with cash prizes
Faculty
Founder and Director: Hanxiao Deng
• Kebra-Seyoun Charles – Soloist and Composer
• Brittany Conrad – Section Bassist, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
• Nina DeCesare – Bassist, Baltimore Symphony; Faculty, Peabody Conservatory
• Mary Javian – Principal Bassist, American Composers Orchestra; Chair of Career Studies, Curtis Institute of Music
• Heather Miller Lardin – Principal Bassist, Handel and Haydn Society
Proudly sponsored by Artemis Bass Initiative, Curtis Institute of Music, International Society of Bassists, Nick Lloyd Basses, Pirastro Strings, and Robertson & Sons Violin Shop.
All participants receive ISB swag and a chance to win a set of Pirastro bass strings!