In fall 2025, Martin Beaver was bestowed with the distinction of Samuel Thomas Violin Chair for the Colburn Conservatory of Music and Music Academy. Here, he reflects on the honor of the new title, his exemplary career, and the connections he builds with students.
As a member of the Colburn Conservatory of Music and Music Academy violin faculty, Martin Beaver has inspired generations of students, helping them reach their dreams and goals. Of course, he also has spent decades curating a prominent presence as a performing artist. Such a distinguished career deserves a distinguished title: This fall, he was named the Samuel Thomas Violin Chair for the Colburn School.
“It’s always nice to be recognized for one’s work in this meaningful way. It was really a tremendous boost to me; I had a real sense of affirmation for the work I’m doing at the Colburn School,” says Beaver.
The endowed chair was established by Margot S. Thomas in recognition of her late husband’s friendship with Richard D. Colburn and the couple’s support of the School’s access to excellence. They have been a frequent fixture at performances, but Samuel’s connection to the institution started through his friendship with Colburn.
“Samuel loved playing violin alongside Richard Colburn on the viola during living room concerts. He greatly valued fostering the next generation of fine musicians, a value Mr. Beaver carries on through his work at Colburn,” says Thomas.
As a preeminent violinist, Beaver’s talent has brought him to stages all over the world: from New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic to Tokyo’s Suntory Hall and the Sydney Opera House. From 2002–13, he was first violin of the world-renowned Tokyo String Quartet. Plus, he has appeared with celebrated orchestras such as the San Francisco Symphony, Toronto Symphony, l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Liège, and Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, and his chamber music performances include collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Leon Fleisher, Pinchas Zukerman, Lynn Harrell, Sabine Meyer, and Yefim Bronfman.
“I’ve had wonderful opportunities for many, many years,” he recalls.
Equally impressive is his dedication to enlightening students. In addition to conducting master classes on multiple continents, Beaver taught at several institutions prior to arriving at Colburn in 2013. Not only does he enjoy guiding aspiring young musicians, he treasures taking the stage alongside them.
“Performing with the students at Colburn is really fun, but it’s also a great responsibility,” he says. “I always feel I need to be extra well prepared, mainly because our students are so advanced and good at what they do that you really don’t want to disappoint them.”
Beaver’s impact can be best measured through his students’ accomplishments. Over the years, many of these young artists have graduated on to impressive careers. Recently, some of his former proteges have joined the New York Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, North Carolina Symphony, and Charlotte Symphony in North Carolina, for example. Another student is a member of Trio Azura, the current Ensemble in Residence at the Colburn Conservatory.
“They just won the Young Concert Artists’ Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, which is very, very exciting,” says Beaver. “Also, two students are members of the Viano Quartet, which won first prize at the Banff International String Quartet Competition in 2019 and they’ve gone on to great success, including involvement at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and concertizing worldwide.
“I feel fortunate that, at Colburn, I have such wonderful colleagues, and together, we are able to provide such a positive learning environment for all of our students and to foster their growth so wonderful things like this can happen,” he adds.
The Samuel Thomas Violin Chair endowment adds to the Building Our Future campaign, bringing the compelling Frank Gehry-designed building to life in Downtown Los Angeles. Expected to open doors next year, the new facilities will house state-of-the-art dance studios and the Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, an entirely unique performance space.
“It’s going to be a magnificent hall and I can’t wait for our students to perform there,” says Beaver. “I also would love to perform there.”
Learn more about Colburn’s Building Our Future campaign and the many ways you can support the School at colburnschool.edu/future.