Justin Knoepfel

Dr. Justin Knoepfel joined Gustavus in 2009, and currently teaches viola, violin, and is the chair of the Department of Music. He graduated from Luther College (B.A.), received his Master of Music degree in viola from the University of Minnesota, and Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in viola performance and a secondary emphasis in music theory at the University of Minnesota's School of Music.

Dr. Knoepfel has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, South Dakota Symphony, Mankato Symphony, LaCrosse Symphony, and others. 

Recent performances have included solo, orchestral, and chamber music engagements -- most notably with the Bridge Chamber Music Festival, South Dakota Symphony, Ballet West, Minnesota Opera, Joffrey Ballet, Opera at Mill City, Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Oratorio Society of Minnesota, World Piano e-Competition, and more. He has also had the pleasure of playing with Idina Menzel, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. His performing career is varied and exciting. Dr. Knoepfel is married to Elisa and they have five children: Sieara, Micah, Levi, Lauryn, and Emilia.