Group Classes

I offer introductory group lessons. The classes are kept small, between 5-8 students, so I can give attention to each student while still working with the group as a whole. The goal of these classes is to allow students the opportunity to learn the basics of a new instrument. The introduction of new work, keeps pace with the progress of the majority of the group, and their comfort with the previous week’s lesson.  Students who  progress individually at a different pace always have the option to further their studies through private instruction.      Check back often to see when my next group lessons will be offered.  Dates are listed below.     ***Please note that it is required that the student obtain an instrument prior to the start of any of my classes. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.***

Adult Beginner's Viola and Violin 1 Class   

This class is for students who have never played viola or violin before. If you have played either instrument  please contact me prior to enrolling. 

We will begin with the basics of holding the violin and viola and move on to learning how to read music, and play simple tunes from our method book.

Students should plan to practice on their own at home at least 15-20 minutes, 3-5 days a week. On the first day of class we will go over the proper way to practice in order to effectively learn and retain material we cover in class.      

If you don’t already own an instrument, contact the instructor for information on obtaining one prior to purchasing or renting. Some instruments that are able to be purchased online will not be suitable for this class. You must have your instrument for the first day of class. 

Vermont Violins is a great resource for renting instruments. If you have rental questions, please don't hesitate to contact me (for generic rental questions) or Vermont Violins, Burlington, VT.

Dates:  March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6

Times: 7-8pm

Location: Williston Central School Band Room

Beginner String Ensemble Camp For Kids Aged 7-12. Violin, Viola, and Cello

Has your child started taking violin, viola or cello in school or private lessons this past year? Don’t let their skills fade over the Summer! Enroll them in Beginner String Ensemble Camp! 

These programs will introduce kids to performing in a small chamber ensemble and add to the skillset that they have begun learning if taking a stringed instrument in school. Students should have experience playing violin, viola, or cello for about 1 year in school, or in private lessons, and be able to read music with 1 to 2 sharps in the key signature. If you are unsure if this program is a good fit for your child, or if your child is interested but has played for less than a year, please email the instructor prior to registering: learnviolavt@gmail.com .  Students are welcome to register for both weeks but should know that the pieces we will rehearse and our activities will be similar for both sessions. 

Each day we will play a few new pieces while continuing to polish some from the previous day.  We will break up the morning by working on music and rhythm games that do not involve violin, viola and cello playing so that students can get up and move! It is Summer after all!

Students will need to have their own instruments and bring them to camp each day along with their assigned sheet music. Music will be provided on the first day of camp. Please register according to the instrument the student plays, AND by the dates they wish to attend. The program will be offered in both July and August and will be 1 week in length.  

Goals for chamber ensemble:

- Improve proficiency in ensemble performance 

- Learn how to play in a small ensemble if the student does not have experience performing in an orchestra

- Acquire basic sight-reading skills

- Strengthen technique

- Improve musicianship

- Make new friends and have fun playing music!

Dates: July 20-24, 2020

             August 3-7, 2020

Time: 8:30a-12p

Location: Williston Central School Band Room