The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

The educational philosophy of the Preparatory String Department is rooted in the belief that young musicians can best develop their artistic potential in a supportive, non-judgmental and motivating musical environment. We are committed to helping our students develop a solid technical and musical foundation at every level as they develop the discipline and love for music. We provide comprehensive training for gifted young artists preparing for a career in music as well as offering lessons to those for whom music enriches their main pursuits. We aim to support each child’s unique path and our hope is that all our students will derive meaning from their relationship with music throughout their lives.

String students at Peabody benefit not only from the quality of their private instruction, but also from their exposure to many faculty and guest artists in a variety of classes, ensembles and special events. The interaction of our outstanding faculty in developing a creative, dynamic, and supportive learning environment provides a unique setting for all our students.

All students, regardless of age or level, are expected to show a commitment to their studies by practicing daily at home, attending concerts, and participating in ensembles or classes as recommended by their teachers. Those who fully participate in the musical offerings at Peabody will reap the rewards of this rich learning community.

  •  Please see the Preparatory Catalog for current class schedules and placement and audition information for all lessons and classes.
 • Please see the "Prep String Offerings" page for a table listing our offerings, including approximate ages and levels.
  • Please see the links to the left for more information on specific Prep String classes and ensembles.
  • Beginners and Suzuki students join our Young People's String Program
  • Fiddlers Four is occasionally offered for 4-5 year old beginning violinsits
  • Advanced and Upper Intermediate students -  The Chair or Coordinator will offer guidance to new students with regard to auditioning for Peabody ensembles and programs.
  •The Pre-Conservatory Violin Program serves the most advanced and serious violinists at the Prep.
 
More special things about being a part of  Peabody Prep Strings:
Guest Artists:  Every year we host several Guest Master Classes and special events to enrich the Prep Strings community.  Recent guests have included The Biava Quartet, Baltimore Symphony Concertmaster Jonathan Carney, fiddler Mark O'Connor, pedagogue Mimi Zweig, Jazz violinist Sara Caswell, violinist Nicholas Kendall, Suzuki teacher and psychologist Edward Sprunger. Peabody Conservatory Faculty members including Victor Danchenko, Ken-Yueng Tseng, Herbert Greenberg, Violaine Melancon, Victoria Chiang, Amit Peled, Alan Stepansky, and Alison Wells  routinely hear and interact with our advanced students.

Accompanists:  We are fortunate to be surrounded by many wonderful pianists at the Peabody Conservatory.  Included in your lesson fee is limited rehearsal time with our staff pianists, and their performances in Studio Recitals, Master Classes, Repertoire Classes and other Peabody performances.  See our Accompanist Guidelines for more information

Outreach:  We are committed to bringing music to the region, and our students and ensembles perform regularly in the area.  Solo recitals are held in retirement centers and hospitals and the VIolin Choir has performed with the Columbia Symphony, at the Lyric Opera House, and on Chamber Music Series' at 2nd Presbyterian Church, The Jewish Community Center in Owings MIlls, the Chalice Concert Series in Columbia, and has traveled to Chicago and Cincinnati.  
Teacher Training:  Prep students often interact with Peabody Conservatory performance majors who are studying violin and viola pedagogy with Rebecca Henry in the Conservatory.  The Conservatory students may be seen observing or helping with YPSP Group classes, and some are paired with a Prep student as a part of their teacher training.  Ms. Henry also offers Pedagogy Master Classes for Prep students and area teachers register to observe and stay for a workshop following the master class.  This interaction with Conservatory students and area teachers adds to the texture of the Prep.