UF Viola Day

School of Music

Time

Saturday, October 17, 2026

9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

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Cost

Prices: (Early-Bird Registration: $40 [Register by September 17]; Regular Registration: $50; Violin to Viola Lab: $25; Parent or Auditor Lunch: $10; UF Student Volunteer: $0)

Venue

UF School of Music

Address

435 Newell Dr.
Gainesville, Florida

Room

MUB 101, MUB 142, MUB 144, MUB 120

Register here

October 17 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

UF School of Music

435 Newell Dr.
Gainesville, Florida United States + Google Map
(352) 392-3261
Save the Date: U.F. Viola Festival October 17 with special guest Tze-Ying-Wu
Register here
Prices: Early-Bird Registration: $40 [Register by September 17]; Regular Registration: $50; Violin to Viola Lab: $25; Parent or Auditor Lunch: $10; UF Student Volunteer: $0

UF Viola Day 2026

Join Dr. Lauren Hodges and her students on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for a full day of viola playing, learning, and fun at the University of Florida School of Music!

Designed for middle school, high school, and college students, the UF Viola Day offers an exciting opportunity to experience the vibrant music community at the University of Florida.

A Day Full of Viola!

Our special guest artist, Dr. Tze-Ying Wu of the University of Kentucky, will present a mindfulness class, viola masterclass, and guest artist recital with pianist Jacob Coleman.

Prospective UF students will have the opportunity to participate in a group scale and technique class and a masterclass with Dr. Lauren Hodges.

Young violinists ages 12–18 can discover the viola through our half-day Violin to Viola Lab, led by Dr. June Xu of the Gainesville Orchestra. Participants will have the chance to try the viola for the first time, and a limited number of instruments will be available for students who do not own and instrument.

Teachers and professional musicians are welcome to audit the day’s events.

All participants will have the chance to:

  • Play in a huge viola ensemble
  • Participate in group classes and masterclasses
  • Explore mindfulness and musicianship
  • Enjoy a guest artist recital and viola concert
  • Tour the UF School of Music with UF School of Music Ambassadors
  • Learn more about studying music at the University of Florida

Who can participate?

UF Viola Day is geared toward viola students and young musicians ages 12–30, including:

  • Middle school students
  • High school students
  • College students
  • Young professionals

Violinists ages 12–18 are especially invited to participate in the Violin to Viola Lab and experience the viola for the first time!

*Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

Event Details

Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

University of Florida School of Music
Music Building
435 Newell Drive
Gainesville, FL 32611

Have questions? Contact host Dr. Lauren Hodges at lbhodges@ufl.edu.

We can’t wait to welcome you to UF Viola Day 2026!