Biography

Violist Patricia Cosand has enjoyed a diverse career as an orchestral musician. She played ten years in the Phoenix Symphony viola section, and was principal viola in the Arizona Opera Orchestra 1989-2007. Currently Patricia is assistant principal viola in the Symphony of the Southwest. As a chamber musician she has collaborated with many local performers in the Papago Chamber Ensemble, the Fiori String Quartet, and the Fountain Hills Chamber Players. In 1993 Patricia collaborated with the members of the Fiori String Quartet creating a chamber music camp for students ages 10-18. String Quartet Camp and Bass Workshop has had continued success for the past twenty seven years and boasts an enrollment of over 100 students each summer. As a music educator Mrs. Cosand taught 3 years in the Mesa Public Schools, 3 years at Grace Community Christian School, and 9 years at Arizona State University. She is passionate about string pedagogy and teaches 40-50 private violin and viola students weekly. Her main teachers include violinist Werner Lywen and Dr. William Magers. Under the instruction of Dr. Magers, Mrs. Cosand attended several International String Workshops and it was there she was first introduced to the pedagogy of Paul Rolland. In the many years since, the Rolland pedagogy has become the bedrock of her teaching. Patricia collaborated with Cal Stewart Kellogg in 2006 to create the Youth Symphony of the Southwest, the educational arm of the Symphony of the Southwest. This orchestra serves east valley students ages 15-20 and performs concerts in the Mesa Arts Center. She is active in the Arizona chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Patricia is married to the Steinway artist, pianist Walter Cosand. They reside in Tempe.

Academic Degrees

• M.M. Arizona Stare University
• B.A. California State University Fresno