Dr. Danielle Belen

Biography

Danielle Belen is a highly regarded violin professor at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Known for her vibrant and unique teaching style, she has trained numerous young artists who have gained accolades in major national and international competitions, including the Sphinx and Stulberg competitions, and many now hold positions in professional orchestras around the globe. Belen, who won the 2008 Sphinx Competition, has appeared as a soloist with prominent orchestras such as the Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Nashville, San Francisco Symphonies, Boston Pops, and Florida Cleveland Orchestras. Her debut recording, featuring works by the contemporary composer Lawrence Dillon, garnered critical acclaim in 2009. A graduate of the USC Thornton School of Music and the Colburn Conservatory, Belen joined the Colburn School faculty in 2008 and founded the Center Stage Strings, a summer performance camp for gifted young musicians, which later moved to the University of Michigan’s campus. Apart from her teaching, she has commissioned works and regularly hosts public videos on her YouTube channel, sharing her insights into violin practice and pedagogy. Belen plays a violin crafted by Stefano Scarampella in Mantua, Italy.

Research Interests

Experience