Elizabeth A. H. Green

Elizabeth Adine Herkimer Green (August 21, 1906 – September 24, 1995) was an American violinist, conductor, and music educator. She was widely regarded as one of the most influential string teachers and conducting pedagogues in the United States.

Early life and education Green was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1905 to Albert Wingate Green and Mary Elizabeth Timmerman. In 1908, the Green family moved to Blue Island, Illinois, so Albert Green could assume the role of Director of the Violin Department of Ferry Hall at Lake Forest University. While teaching in Waterloo, Green traveled monthly to Chicago for lessons with conductor Nicolai Malko.

In 1939, Green earned a master's degree in music from Northwestern University. Her formative studies included violin with Jacques Gordon (concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and viola with Clarence Evans (the CSO's principal violist). Green also studied violin with Ivan Galamian.

Career Elizabeth Green joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1942, initially hired to oversee orchestra programs in Ann Arbor public schools through a joint teaching position between the district and university. She began as a one-tenth-time instructor of music in October 1942, though she didn't teach in the School of Music until 1944.

Green was appointed concertmaster of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in 1942 and held the post for 20 years.

During her early years at Michigan, Green taught "School Orchestra Materials" during summer sessions. Her teaching responsibilities gradually increased from one-eighth-time to one-fourth-time in spring 1946. By 1948, she secured a three-year appointment as a half-time assistant professor of Music Education, transitioning to a full-time position that fall.

Green's academic career progressed through several promotions approved by the University of Michigan Board of Regents: from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor (effective fall 1958) and later from Associate Professor to Professor of Music (effective fall 1963).

Pedagogy Green authored several books throughout her career.

Later life Green was diagnosed with cancer in June 1995. She died on September 24, 1995, at the age of 89.

In March 1996, the Ann Arbor Public Schools Music Department honored Green with a concert at Hill Auditorium featuring more than 500 student performers.