Kurt Sassmannshaus, a predominant violin teacher of today, is also a German composer, and the founder of the Starling Preparatory String Project. In 2004 Sassmannshaus launched violinmasterclass.com, a phenomenal internet platform delivering free video lessons in violin performance facets. In 2005 Sassmannshaus agreed to create the Great Wall International Music Academy in Beijing. Ms. Sassmannshaus' teaching appears to have worldwide recognition for its robust quality performance. He created the Starling Preparatory String Project as an undergraduate program to develop high-quality string players in the early 1980s. Starling Chamber Orchestra's offerings of recitals for young soloists have won it a worldwide reputation. The orchestra has gained rave reviews worldwide, and they have produced and played at prestigious events.