Michael Drobycki

Michael Drobycki is an accomplished violist and educator with over 15 years of teaching and performing experience. Currently based in Rostock, Germany, Michael has held positions with renowned orchestras across the United States and Europe, bringing a wealth of expertise to his teaching and performance.

Michael holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Viola Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Cleveland Orchestra Members Stanley Konopka and Mark Jackobs, and attended the Southern Methodist University Artist Diploma under the tutelage of former Dallas Symphony Orchestra member Barbara Sudweeks, all of whom shaped his artistry and technical precision.

As a performer, Michael has been engaged with prestigious ensembles in the U.S. such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Shreveport Symphony, and held the Principal Viola chair in the Abilene Philharmonic from 2015-2020. Most recently in Germany, he has performed in the viola sections of the Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle Schwerin, the Vogtland Philharmonie, the ORSO Philharmonic, the Mittelsächsische Philharmonie in Freiberg, the Clara-Schumann-Philharmoniker in Zwickau, and the Erzgebirgische Philharmonie in Aue. He has also graced Summer festival stages, including Charleston’s Spoleto Festival USA and most notably, the Castleton Festival, performing under the baton of the late Lorin Maazel for four seasons.

Michael’s teaching career has flourished alongside his performance endeavors. Many of his students consistently achieved top honors, earning places in Texas All-State and All-Region orchestras and winning top honors in UIL and Solo and Ensemble events. His teaching methods focus on technical development that pay close attention to fingerings, position work, and bowings, alongside posture diagnosis, in order to prevent injuries that may impede a student’s progress. This holistic approach helps student gain a clearer picture of the landscape of their instrument and equips them with the tools and technical skills to apply to other musical ventures.  

Michael is passionate about cultivating a supportive learning environment that empowers the student to achieve their full potential. Whether fostering a student’s preparation for auditions, competitions, or desire of generalized personal growth in their instrument, Michael’s holistic approach equips students with the skills and confidence to thrive in their musical journeys, and he believes every student can achieve excellence with the right guidance and adherence to dedication.

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