Ensemble Festival 2027

Mary Kothman is a violinist and educator. Currently, she is an instructor at Western Michigan University and a member of the String Orchestra of the Rockies. She performs regionally with the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Prior to moving to Michigan, she was assistant concertmaster of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra, the Intermountain Opera Orchestra, and the Big Sky Festival Orchestra. Other past work includes concertmaster of the Muncie Symphony for thirteen years, the San Diego Symphony, the Royal Orchestra Stockholm, the Naples Philharmonic, and the Austin Symphony.  Kothman is a member of the Rising String Quartet, supporting the music of underrepresented composers and is a coach with the Michigan Chamber Music for Fun. She has worked in recording studios across Indiana and is a strong supporter and performer of the music of living composers and chamber music.

Kothman previously taught at Montana State University, Ball State University, Taylor University, and the Interlochen Arts Camp. She has taught violin, viola, chamber music,  string techniques, ear training, music fundamentals, music appreciation and directed the WMU student new music ensemble, Birds on a Wire.

She currently serves on the board of directors for the Crescendo Academy of Music.

She received her B.M. and M.M. in violin performance from the University of Texas at Austin where she studied with Vincent Frittelli