Dr. James Fittz
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Professor of Music
Cello
Frasier 253
970-351-2967
james.fittz@unco.edu
James Fittz began his formal music studies at the age of five. As a student in high school he won first prize in the International Music Competition in Tokyo, Japan. His principal teachers were internationally renowned artists Gordon Epperson and Yoshio Sato. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and philosophy from Wheaton College (Illinois) and the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in cello performance and music literature from the University of Arizona.
Dr. Fittz has taught cello at Wheaton College, the University of Arizona, Central Washington University, Shenandoah Conservatory, and New Mexico State University before joining the string faculty of the School of Music, University of Northern Colorado, where he is now Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Fittz has performed throughout the United States, in Asia and in South America as recitalist, as concerto solo artist, and as guest chamber music artist. He has appeared in festival orchestras, on public radio and television, and as a member of touring chamber music ensembles.
Long a champion of contemporary music, Fittz has presented premiere performances for several composers who have written expressly for him. Fittz' recording of composer John Rinehart's Paths for Amplified Cello and Synthesized Sound is available on the SCI label. Rinehart writes concerning his choice of cellist, "James Fittz is among the country's finest artists; his playing commands a broad range of expression and technique and a communicative warmth that makes him a favorite of audiences everywhere."