The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

The Pre-Conservatory Violin Program (PCVP) is designed to support and challenge the most advanced, serious, and gifted violinists studying at the Preparatory in a motivating environment. Young artists in this program are playing at the advanced level, are committed to practicing several hours per day, and display the artistic potential to pursue a performance career in music. Members of PCVP have been award winners in numerous regional and national competitions and have performed with the top orchestras in the greater Baltimore-Washington area.

The Pre-Conservatory Violin Program is supported by the Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation, whose mission is to support violin teaching at the highest level.

Program Overview

The PCVP consists of four components:

1. Private Lesson — Students study with Peabody faculty.

2. Pre-Conservatory Violin Class — The signature component of the program is this weekly class, led by Rebecca Henry, String Department Chair and PCVP Director. This class meets during the fall/spring academic year on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Throughout the year, time is spent in three ways:

   • Technique — Students refine the relationships between motion and music and continue the search for flexible, free motions and virtuoso technique.

   • Performance — Students perform often in this weekly master class setting. Guests include both Peabody Preparatory and Conservatory faculty, as well as artists from the music world at large. Previous guests have included Klara Bahcall, Victor Danchenko, Nicholas Kendall, Mimi Zweig, Violaine Melançon, Keng Yuen Tseng, and the Biava String Quartet.

   • Rehearsal — The group rehearses 2–4 part violin music in preparation for concerts that include both solo and ensemble performances. Other instrumentalists may join on occasion for larger or smaller works. Recently, PCVP members were featured soloists with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, performed at the Peabody Institute’s 150th Anniversary Gala celebration, and were featured in a recital as part of the Chalice Concert Series in Columbia, MD.

3. Advanced Performance Class — Advanced Performance Class (APC) is an established series of performance workshops and master classes for all advanced string students at the Preparatory designed to develop performance skills and explore enrichment topics. This class meets on eight scheduled Saturdays each semester (fall/spring) from 2:45–4:15 pm. Past topics have included Orchestral Excerpts with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) Concertmaster Jonathan Carney, Taking College Auditions with Peabody faculty member Herbert Greeberg, Jazz Improvisation with Sara Caswell, and master classes with Richard Aaron, Pamela Frank, Victor Danchenko, and the Ciompi Quartet.

4. Piano Rehearsal — Rehearsals with a piano accompanist whose time is dedicated to the specific individual development of these young artists. Each student receives a designated number of hours of rehearsal time per semester, and the pianist is available to perform with the student in most recitals, concerts, and area competitions.
    

Additional Opportunities through PCVP

Students in PCVP may also take advantage of the other outstanding opportunities available to Preparatory students, as recommended by their teacher. These include studio recitals, signature recitals, Part-Recital and Concerto competitions, Youth Orchestra Program, music theory, and the Certificate Program. Please refer to the current Fall/Spring 2008-2009 Preparatory course catalog and the Preparatory Music Student Handbook for more information. Program Director Rebecca Henry or Student Services Coordinator Gavin Farrell can advise the student on the best course of study at the Preparatory.

Partial scholarships are available for those accepted into the PCVP and students are encouraged to apply.

Application and Audition Information

Acceptance in the PCVP is by audition.

2009-2010 Auditions

Saturday, August 29, 2:30-4:30 pm Baltimore main campus

Audition Requirements

(accompanist not required)

• Major scales in all keys to 24 per bow, and spiccato
• Thirds and octaves in choice of key, slur two
• One movement of a major concerto and
• A contrasting piece

Playing at the stated repertoire level does not ensure acceptance into the PCVP.

Please complete the application form and submit by the Friday, August 21, 2009 deadline. Once the student’s application is received, the Preparatory Office will contact the student to schedule an audition appointment.

Direct inquiries to

Rebecca Henry, Director and Instructor
Email: prepstrings@peabody.jhu.edu

or contact the Baltimore main campus (downtown) Preparatory Office for more information at 410-234-4630
 

Mail or fax applications to

Peabody Preparatory String Department
Pre-Conservatory Violin Program
c/o Peabody Preparatory
21 East Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore, MD 21202-2308
Fax: 410-659-8281