Penny Kruse

Penny Kruse is a dedicated violinist with a passion for music education. She started playing the violin at the age of 5 and has since developed a unique teaching style influenced by renowned pedagogues she has encountered throughout her career.

Kruse's musical journey led her to win a position in the 1st violin section of the prestigious Kansas City Symphony before completing her master's degree at Yale University. During her time at Yale, she also performed with the New Haven Symphony and Orchestra New England. She has held notable roles such as Acting Associate Concertmaster of the Kansas City Symphony and Concertmaster for ballet and opera performances.

With a rich history of performances at various music festivals including the Spoleto Festival in the USA and Italy, the Grand Teton Music Festival, and the Peninsula Music Festival, Penny Kruse brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Professor of Violin at Bowling Green State University.

Kruse's educational background is equally impressive, having pursued a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a Master's Degree in Violin Performance at Yale University, and a Bachelor of Music with Distinction in Violin Performance at Northwestern University. She also completed her high school education at Topeka West High School.

In addition to her current position at Bowling Green State University, Penny Kruse has previously served as a faculty member at the Bay View Chamber Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival, and William Jewell College. Her extensive teaching and performance experience have taken her to various countries including Canada, Germany, Mexico, Romania, South Africa, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Kruse's expertise extends to a diverse range of educational programs offered at Bowling Green State University College of Musical Arts, including undergraduate and graduate music programs such as Bachelor of Music, Music Education, and Doctor of Musical Arts in Contemporary Music. She is actively involved in nurturing young talent through teaching and performances at music camps and festivals.