Justin Knoepfel

Dr. Justin Knoepfel joined the Gustavus in 2009.  Dr. Knoepfel teaches violin, violin, music theory, string techniques, and is the conductor of the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra.  Dr. Knoepfel graduated from Luther College with a degree in Violin Performance. Two years later he received his Master of Music degree in viola from the University of Minnesota. Most recently Dr. Knoepfel received a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in viola performance and a secondary emphasis in music theory at the University of Minnesota's School of Music.

Dr. Knoepfel has participated as a performer and teacher in various programs including Dorian Music Festival, Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, Salem Music Academy, Bravo!, and the International Viola Congress. In addition, Dr. Knoepfel is a substitute violist with the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, and former principal violist of Exultate Chorus & Orchestra. He has performed throughout the United States and in Europe at such venues as Konzerthaus Wien, Orchestra Hall, Ordway Center, Le Jeune Lune Theatre, Bethel University, University of Minnesota, St. Olaf College and Luther College. He has performed extensively with members of the Minnesota Orchestra, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and others. His primary teachers have been Mr. Korey Konkol, Dr. Spencer Martin, and Mr. Tom Turner. His awards include the Clarence L. Torp Fellowship and the Berneking Fellowship.

Recent performances have included a chamber music program at the Bridge Chamber Music Festival (Northfield, MN) playing Dvorak's Op. 97 Quintet, a solo recital of the music Rebecca Clarke, Stephen Paulus, and Handel, chamber music program of Brahms Piano Quartet in C Minor, Op. 60, a program dedicated to the music of J.S. Bach (Brandenburg Concerto No. 6) soloist with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra playing Bruch's Concerto for Clarinet and Viola in E Minor, Op. 88 along with clarinetist Dr. Karrin Meffert-Nelson, and a recent solo recital of music for violin and viola (Britten Lachrymae, Mozart Violin Sonata K. 304, Bach Sonata for da Gamba and Keyboard in G Major, BWV 1027, Gabriela Lena Frank's Cinco Danza da Chambi). Other performances have included the world premiere of Steven Puts' Silent Night, Madame Butterfly, Werther, and Lucia di Lamermoor (Minnesota Opera). In the Spring of 2013 Dr. Knoepfel was featured as viola soloist with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra during their Spring national tour performing Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante.

During the summer he participates as viola faculty member and violist in the Omega String Quartet as part of the Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (Decorah, IA) for four weeks of rigorous musical study and performance in a supportive community. 

Dr. Knoepfel is also heavily involved in the spiritual growth of students on campus.  He is a co-founder of the daily sabbath service Re:vive.  Re:vive is a contemporary-style service held on Thursdays in Christ Chapel.  It is completely student led.  Dr. Knoepfel is the musical adviser for this group and chooses music for the week, attends the rehearsals, and facilitates the functional aspect of the service.  He is delighted to be working with such fine students volunteers, those that have a passion for the Church.  Dr. Knoepfel is also the faculty adviser for CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ).

Dr. Knoepfel is married to Elisa and they have two kids, Sieara and Micah and a cat named Avery.  Another baby is on the way in February 2014.

Courses Taught