Fatima S. Gassama
Chicago,,IL
Summary
Versatile Chicago-based violist with a rich background in both historical and contemporary performance.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Violist, Oak Quartet
Listeso Music Group
11.2023 - Current
Performs as part of a string quartet for Candlelight Concerts by Fever, performing setlists of various genres and artists, including Vivaldi, Hans Zimmer, Halloween, Adele, and Holiday/Nutcracker.
Violist, Arancia Piano Quartet
University Of Iowa
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Prepared repertoire to be showcased at various concerts throughout the academic year.
- Coordinated with director/coach to schedule masterclasses with guest artists and performances, culminating with a paid performance tour of various cities in Iowa.
Graduate Assistant
University Of Iowa
08.2021 - 04.2023
Graduate assistant and resident violist for the Center for New Music Ensemble. Performed challenging repertoire showcasing contemporary music by both living and deceased composers, presenting two concerts per school semester. Highlights include performing the scordatura viola part in György Ligeti's Violin Concerto.
Private Violin Teacher
Self-Employed
09.2019 - 02.2020
- Instructed beginner-level student on violin technique and music theory.
- Implemented instructional plans and organized lessons to balance instruction, demonstration, and working time.
Substitute Teacher and Volunteer
Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras
03.2018 - 04.2018
- Provided assistance and instruction for students of Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras' Intensive Community Program (ICP) for young musicians (primarily those whose ethnic backgrounds are underrepresented in classical music) in grades K-12, preparing them for BYSO's top-level orchestra as well as professional orchestra auditions.
- Assisted in coaching intermediate-level chamber music groups.
- Provided assistance in note reading and instrument set-up to new beginner students.
- Substitute private instructor to intermediate-level students as they prepared for end-of-year recitals.
Substitute Teacher
Public Schools Of Brookline
09.2017 - 01.2018
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Instructed general music, group string, orchestra, and non-music courses.
- Assisted both teacher and teacher's aide in instruction for first grade class.
- Was offered long-term position as educational assistant.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts - Viola Performance
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA08.2024
Doctor of Musical Arts - Viola Performance (Incomplete, Transferred)
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHMaster of Music - Viola Performance
Boston University
Boston, MA05.2017
Bachelor of Music - Viola Performance
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Oberlin, OH05.2015
Skills
- Trained in Historical (Baroque/Classical) and Contemporary performance
- Project management
- Perfect pitch
- Creative project planner
- Dancer and choregrapher
- Trained in various styles of dance, including Ukrainian, Tap, and Irish Step
- Teaching experience
Accomplishments
Smithsonian Academy Orchestra
October 2024, February 2025, and April 2025
Selected to study and perform orchestral works in a chamber orchestra under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Slowik. Tours with the orchestra through various cities, including New York City, the Boston area, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC, performing on period instruments. Concert venues include Goldman Sachs and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Receives financial compensation for the entire tour.
Smithsonian Haydn Quartet Academy
January 2024 and January 2025
Selected as one of 12 string fellows to study and collaborate with distinguished faculty at the Smithsonian Museum of American History for one week, exploring select string quartets of Joseph Haydn, performing in the Washington DC metro area throughout the week on period instruments.
Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute
Summer 2023
Studied Baroque and Classical performance practice under notable faculty. Participated in technique classes, masterclasses, chamber music groups, orchestra, and Baroque dance classes.
Master Classes
Participated in master classes conducted by Heidi Castleman, Elias Goldstein, David Holland, John Madison, Scott Rawls, Carol Rodland, and Marcus Thompson. Received lessons and coachings from the Apple Hill Quartet, Brentano Quartet, Cavani Quartet, Dalí Quartet, Duo Axis, Harlem Quartet, JACK Quartet, Jasper Quartet, Jupiter Quartet, London Haydn Quartet, Muir Quartet, Warp Trio, and members of the Oregon Symphony.
Academic Fellowships and Scholarships
- 2020: Iowa Performance Fellowship, University of Iowa School of Music
- 2018: Graduate Enrichment Fellowship, The Ohio State University
- 2015: School of Music Scholarship, Boston University School of Music
- 2011: Conservatory Dean's Scholarship, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
References
- Christine Rutledge, Professor, University of Iowa | christine-rutledge@uiowa.edu
- Elizabeth Oakes, Professor of Instruction, University of Iowa | elizabeth-oakes@uiowa.edu
- Dr. David Gompper, Professor, University of Iowa | david-gompper@uiowa.edu
- Dr. Scott Conklin, Associate Professor, University of Iowa | scott-conklin@uiowa.edu
- Peter Slowik, Professor, Oberlin Conservatory | peter.slowik@oberlin.edu
- Dr. Daniel Doña, Lecturer in Music, Boston University | dldona@bu.edu
- Dr. Kenneth Slowik, Artistic Director, Smithsonian Chamber Music | slowikk@si.edu
- Jennifer Arnold, Violist and Educator | vlajma@gmail.com
Timeline
Substitute Violist, Oak Quartet
Listeso Music Group
11.2023 - Current
Violist, Arancia Piano Quartet
University Of Iowa
08.2022 - 05.2023
Graduate Assistant
University Of Iowa
08.2021 - 04.2023
Private Violin Teacher
Self-Employed
09.2019 - 02.2020
Substitute Teacher and Volunteer
Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras
03.2018 - 04.2018
Substitute Teacher
Public Schools Of Brookline
09.2017 - 01.2018
Doctor of Musical Arts - Viola Performance
University of Iowa
Doctor of Musical Arts - Viola Performance (Incomplete, Transferred)
The Ohio State University
Master of Music - Viola Performance
Boston University
Bachelor of Music - Viola Performance
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
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