Oliver Bostian- Viola & Violin
Teaching Philosophy
I believe in adaptive teaching based on the goals of the student. My ultimate goal while teaching is to foster a love for music-making, and I recognize that it can be found through many different paths. Technically speaking, I encourage my students to have an advanced understanding of the physics of both the instrument and their body. I love to demonstrate, and to play duets with my students. I also believe strongly in finding opportunities for my students to play with others, whether that be orchestral, chamber, or jam sessions.
Biography
Oliver Bostian is an Iowa City native and current student at the University of Iowa. He performs regularly as a violist and violinist, and recently won the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition. He will perform the Bartók Viola Concerto with the orchestra in the spring of 2026. Oliver performs often with Red Cedar Chamber Music, a local non-profit organization which seeks to bring chamber music to underserved populations of Iowa. As a private teacher he is passionate about fostering a love for music within his students, while also encouraging them to pursue instrumental mastery. Oliver is currently employed by the Preucil School of Music as a conductor and chamber music coach. Principal teachers include Scott Conklin, Mary Neumann, Doris Preucil, William Preucil Sr., Christine Rutledge-Russell, and Elizabeth Oakes. In his free time he enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, strategy games, and spending time with his cat, Leo.
