The Young People’s String Program (YPSP) is a creative blend of Suzuki philosophy, Paul Rolland’s approach to movement in string playing, and traditional string pedagogy. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s philosophy embraces the idea that all children are born with musical ability that can be nurtured at an early age through their environment, listening, imitation, and by working closely with a parent at home. Paul Rolland’s work focuses on relaxation and freedom of movement in string playing.

Traditional string pedagogy enhances these approaches by incorporating the development of technique and musicianship through scales, etudes, music reading, and a variety of repertoire. Our faculty members bring their own experiences to the program as they work together in creating a solid foundation and inspiring environment for our young string players. YPSP students attend individual instruction and a group lesson each week. Parent participation is required.

See the links to the left for more information on the YPSP, or call the Preparatory Office at 410-234-4630 to request a copy of the YPSP Guidelines.

Individual Instruction

Fiddlers Four (violin)
(Ages 4-5, student must be 4 years old by January 1, 2012)

This nurturing, small group setting offers young violin beginners an opportunity to learn the first few steps of violin playing. In keeping with the Suzuki approach and philosophy of education, parents also learn the skills and are “home teachers” for daily practice sessions. Children gradually master each step required to ensure a solid musical foundation through individual and group activities and continue their study in the Young People’s String Program after graduating from Fiddlers Four. Groups of two students will meet for 30 minutes, three for 45 minutes, and four for 60 minutes. Minimum of two and maximum of four students.

First class for parents only: at the scheduled class time.

New Student? Request information or Register

Cello Fun (Ages 4-5)

This nurturing, small group setting offers young cello beginners an opportunity to learn the first few steps of cello playing. In keeping with the Suzuki approach and philosophy of education, parents also learn the skills and are "home teachers" for daily practice sessions. Children gradually master each step required to ensure a solid musical foundation through individual and group activities. Upon completion of class, students continue their study in the Young People's Strings Program (YPSP). Class length will be one hour for four, forty-five minutes for three, or thirty minutes for two students. Minimum of two and maximum of four students.

New Student? Request information or Register

YPSP Violin/Viola

At the placement interview, an overview of the YPSP program and an introduction to Suzuki philosophy will be presented. This will include discussion of the role of parents in lessons and the importance of daily practice, both key elements of the Suzuki approach. An orientation regarding group classes (which all YPSP students attend in addition to individual instruction) and YPSP concerts will be presented followed by a question and answer period.

Note: All YPSP Group Classes begin the first week of classes each semester. All students in YPSP Group Classes are also required to take individual instruction at the Preparatory.

YPSP Violin Groups

Minimum of six students

Heifetz (Beginners)

Neveu Group (Early Book 1)

Paganini Group (Book 1-2)

Milstein Group (Book 2-3)

Joachim Group (Book 3-4)

Oistrakh Group (Book 4-5)

Kreisler Group (Book 6)

YPSP Viola Group

Minimum of four students

Primrose Group (Book 1-2)

New Student? Request information or Register

YPSP Cello Groups

Minimum of six students.

Casals Class (Beginners)

DuPre Class (Book1-2)

Rostropovich Class (Book 3-4)

Cello Ensemble (Book 4 and up)

This is an ensemble of 6-8 serious young cellists who come together to work on technique, musicianship, solo performance, and chamber and leading skills as they study 1-4 part music for the cello in varying styles. They perform regularly at Peabody on YPSP concerts as well as in the community. The YPSP Cello Ensemble has performed at the Walters Art Gallery and for a master class by guest cellist Pamela Devenport. This year, they will prepare cello choir music with cellists from the Performance Academy for Strings for a special collaboration.

New Student? Request information or Register

YPSP String Bass Groups

Minimum of six students per group. Three classes per semester. Dates TBA.

New Student? Request information or Register