Violinist Glenn Dicterow Named Jascha Heifetz Chair at USC Thornton School of Music

The USC Thorton School of Music, in Los Angeles, California, wrote on their website that "endowed chairs and professorships represent the university’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and creative accomplishment."

To that end, violinist Glenn Dicterow is to become the Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin, which was established in 1974 to honor the legacy of one of the most influential violinists of the 20th century.

Before graduating from The Juilliard School, Dicterow had the opportunity to study with Jascha Heifetz at USC during his 20-year tenure.

“Since I was a young violinist, I have been heavily influenced by the artistry of Jascha Heifetz," Dicterow said. "It had always been my dream to someday return to USC to teach, where, as a young teenager, I had the privilege of studying with this iconic genius. I have spent my entire life espousing Heifetz’s unique musical interpretations, as well as his dazzling technique. As testified by my numerous students over the years, I have always championed Heifetz’s recordings, which continue to inspire us. He brought such unique style, imagination and color to the vast repertoire he performed.”

Jascha Heifetz instructing USC students in a masterclass, c.1970s. (Photo credit: USC Thornton)

Dicterow made his debut as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at age 11 and as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic at 18. In 1971, he was hired as associate concertmaster of the LA Phil, where his father was principal second violinist, and he was named concertmaster before he turned 25. In 1980, he was named concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic.

Having taught at Juilliard and given master classes around the world, Dicterow has chaired the orchestral performance program at the Manhattan School of Music for 20 years, and he helms the strings leadership program as a faculty artist at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara.

In his teaching, Dicterow aims "to get students to express themselves emotionally and musically on their instrument."

"While there is no shortage of technically perfect playing in the world of music, I hope to inspire students to create their own individual sound and style, thus enabling their music making to come alive," he added. "My aim is to carry on the message of Jascha Heifetz to a new generation of musicians who may not be as familiar with his truly remarkable, one-of-a-kind music making."