Known for her verve and sensitivity, pianist Futaba Niekawa pushes the boundaries of her artistry as a soloist and collaborative pianist across genres and disciplines. In demand as a collaborative pianist, she has been engaged at the Banff Centre, New England Conservatory, and IU’s String Academy. Niekawa is a Lecturer in Music (Chamber and Collaborative Music) at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.

Award-winning violinist, Kerry DuWors has been Associate Professor, Chair of Graduate Studies in Music, and Head of Chamber Music at Canada’s Brandon University since 2003. Hailed for her “soaring cantilena” (Gramophone Magazine), DuWors has performed across four continents and champions collaboration across an array of ensembles from her duo work to leading chamber orchestras.

Erika Burns is a violinist and certified Franklin Method™ Educator based in Washington State. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma, where her research explored incorporating movement education principles from somatic disciplines and sports into the violin studio. Dr. Burns is a past Emerging Artist Fellow at Garth Newel Music Center and duo526 Sonata Seminar alumnus. 

Franklin Method Description: The Franklin Method™ is an evidence-based somatic movement education method that uses imagery, embodied anatomy, and targeted exercises to improve movement and overall physical and mental well-being.