Justin Knoepfel

Faculty

Associate Professor of Music (Chair of the Music Dept.) in Music, Music - Ensembles, and Music - Strings

Dr. Justin Knoepfel joined Gustavus in 2009 and is currenly the chair of the Department of Music, conductor of the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, and viola instructor. He graduated from Luther College (B.A.), received his Master of Music degree in viola from the University of Minnesota, and 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 performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, South Dakota Symphony, Mankato Symphony, LaCrosse Symphony, and others. Performances have varied throughout the United States and in Europe at such venues as Konzerthaus Wien, Orchestra Hall-Mpls, Ordway Center, Le Jeune Lune Theatre, Bethel University, University of Minnesota, Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and Luther College. He has also collaboarted 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. Additionally, Dr. Knoepfel has participated as a soloist and faculty member in various programs including Dorian Music Festival, MNSOTA Summer String Camp, Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, Salem Music Academy, Bravo!, and the International Viola Congress. 

Recent performances have included solo, orchestral, and chamber music engagements -- most notably with the Bridge Chamber Music Festival, South Dakota Symphony, Ballet West, Minnesota Opera, Joffrey Ballet, Opera at Mill City, Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Oratorio Society of Minnesota, World Piano e-Competition, and more. Heavily in demand as a freelancer, he has shared the stage with The Eagles, Idina Menzel, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and played privately for Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. His performing career is varied and exciting.

Dr. Knoepfel is married to Elisa and they have five children. Regan the dog (a bernedoodle) and a cat named Avery (a ragdoll) are allowed to live in the house. Family is his life!

Enneagram:7w6
StrengthsFinder: Empathy, Positivity, Adaptability, Includer, Restorative


Education

B.A. Luther College, M.M. University of Minnesota, D.M.A. University of Minnesota

Courses Taught

MUS-170 (Symphony Orchestra), MUS-261 (Violin), MUS-262 (Viola), MUS-361 (Violin), MUS-362 (Viola), MUS-390 (Senior Recital/Project), MUS-395 (Honors in Performance), and MUS-396 (Honors in Composition)

Past
Synonym Title Times Taught Terms Taught
MUS-261 Violin 47 2022/FA, 2022/SP, 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, and 2010/FA
MUS-173 String/Piano Ensemble 46 2022/FA, 2021/FA, 2020/FA, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, and 2010/FA
MUS-262 Viola 42 2022/FA, 2022/SP, 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, 2010/FA, 2010/SP, and 2009/FA
MUS-362 Viola 41 2022/FA, 2022/SP, 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, 2010/FA, 2010/SP, and 2009/FA
MUS-361 Violin 39 2022/FA, 2022/SP, 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2017/FA, 2016/FA, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, and 2010/FA
MUS-171 Philharmonic Orchestra 38 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, and 2010/FA
MUS-364 String Bass 27 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, and 2010/FA
MUS-264 String Bass 23 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, and 2010/FA
MUS-363 Cello 23 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, and 2010/FA
MUS-263 Cello 23 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, and 2010/FA
MUS-265 Harp 22 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2019/SP, 2018/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, and 2010/FA
MUS-111 Music Theory I 8 2019/FA, 2018/FA, 2017/FA, 2016/FA, 2013/FA, and 2012/FA
CUR-220 Musical Understanding 6 2019/JN, 2018/JN, 2017/JN, 2016/JN, 2015/JN, and 2014/JN
MUS-170 Symphony Orchestra 4 2022/FA and 2018/SP
MUS-395 Honors in Performance 4 2022/FA, 2021/FA, 2020/FA, and 2019/FA
MUS-390 Senior Recital/Project 4 2022/FA, 2021/FA, 2020/FA, and 2019/FA
FTS-100 FTS:Berlin Wall Music 4 2018/FA, 2017/FA, 2015/FA, and 2014/FA
MUS-332 String Techniques 4 2018/SP, 2016/SP, 2014/SP, and 2012/SP
MUS-090 Basoon Audition 3 2021/FA
MUS-103 Aural and Keyboard Skills I 2 2019/FA and 2018/FA
MUS-374 History of Western Music I 2 2015/FA and 2014/FA
CUR-225 Musical Understanding 1 2022/JN
MUS-101 Music Appreciation 1 2017/SP