Kyle Champion

Artist Teacher, Cello
Conservatory of Music

Degrees

B.M., Southern Methodist University
M.M., University of Southern California

Bio

Mr. Champion has been Artist Teacher of cello at the University of Redlands since 1995 and has served on the faculties of La Sierra University, California State Polytechnic University (Pomona), Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Baptist University. He was appointed Director of the University of Redlands String Project in Fall 2011. He serves as principal cellist with the Redlands Symphony and was former principal cellist with the Riverside County Philharmonic and the Chamber Orchestra of Oklahoma City. He is a member of the Long Beach Symphony, and regularly performs with numerous area orchestras including Pacific Symphony, Los Angeles Opera, and San Bernardino Symphony. He rounds out his performing schedule in recording studios and playing chamber music recitals. In 2011 he was appointed String Specialist at the Webb Schools of California in Claremont, California.

A long-time member of the American String Teachers Association, Mr. Champion volunteered as a chairperson for the annual CalASTA-LA Bowed Strings Competition for over 20 years, including two years as chairperson for the LA regional Final competition. He headed the CalASTA State Competition in October 2020. Mr. Champion also served as President of the CalASTA-LA section for 2013-14 and continues as a member of the board of that organization.

Mr. Champion was a student of Ronald Leonard at USC and has studied chamber music with Donald McInnes, members of the New Hungarian String Quartet and the contemporary music performers, Voices of Change.

Courses Taught at Redlands

  • Applied Cello 
  • String Pedagogy Practicum 
  • Director of University String Project