Lessons & Classes

Rebecca Henry, String Department Chair
peabodyprepstrings@jhu.edu

Janet Melnicoff-Brown, Summer String Coordinator
jymeln@comcast.net

Individual Instruction

Violin

Viola

Cello

Double Bass Not offered in Howard County

Young People's String Program Violin

Young People's String Program Viola

Young People's String Program Cello

Individual instruction is available to children and adults of all experience levels—from beginners through the most advanced levels of study. Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis and are contingent upon teacher availability.

Students enrolled in individual instruction are required to have a practice instrument available.

Students will also have opportunities to participate in recitals, repertoire and master classes, and either of our music certificate programs. In addition, all Preparatory students receive one free admission (and a discount on one additional ticket) to most Peabody Institute concerts.

Tuition is based on a 16-week semester and must be paid in both fall and spring for each semester. We do not prorate tuition for late registration.

New Student? Request information or Register

String Placements

Placement for violin, viola and cello students will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2013.

Violin and Viola

A short orientation will be followed by the student's individual placement meeting. Students should plan to stay for the entire session.

Age 12 and up 11:00-12:00 pm, L308, Henry
Age 11 and under 3:30-4:30 pm, L219, Melnicoff-Brown

Cello

Parents of young beginners should bring a small chair for their child to assist in sizing for a cello.

Beginners and cellists with experience (age 11 and under) 4:30-5:30 pm, L414, Chen
Cellists with experience (age 12 and up) by individual appointment, Levitov

Teen String Club 

(Age 12 and up)

This class is for middle to high school string students in Suzuki books 2-5. The group meets weekly to explore non-traditional repertoire such as folk music, jazz, ragtime, and popular music in an informal ensemble setting. Open to violin, viola, cello and bass string students who take individual instruction at the Preparatory ONLY. No audition is required. Minimum of six students.

New Student? Request information or Register

Introduction to Viola

(Ages 7-10)

This introductory class is designed for students interested in pursuing the viola in a small class environment. It will include both individual instruction and group activities giving the student a chance to learn the first steps of viola playing in a supportive atmosphere, where they can enjoy playing together and observing each other’s progress as well. Classes will be for groups of 2, 3, or 4 participants. Groups of two students will meet for 30 minutes, three for 45 minutes and four for 60 minutes. Parent participation is required and the first week is for parents only. No new students are permitted in the Spring semester. Minimum of two students.

New Student? Request information or Register

Viola Ensemble

Violists will meet once per month for the opportunity to play through the extensive literature for multiple violas. The goal of the class is a public performance at the end of the school year. Audition is not required. Level: Suzuki Book 3 through advanced. Minimum of four students.

Second Saturday of each month: 9/15, 10/13, 11/10, No December class meeting, 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11.

New Student? Request information or Register

Viola Power Performance Class

Preparatory violists will meet once per month for a technique and performance class. We will work through various technique topics, hear solos, and explore the traditions of the viola through enrichment topics. Level: Suzuki Book 4 through advanced. Minimum of four students.

First Saturday of each month: 9/8, 10/6, 11/3, No December class meeting, 1/5, 2/2, 3/2, 4/6, 5/4.

New Student? Request information or Register

Beginner Cello for Adults

This course for adults will cover the basics of cello playing in a fun, supportive environment. No prior musical experience is necessary. Audition and placement is not required. Students will learn basic setup, bow hold and sound production by learning simple folk songs and gradually expand the student's playing ability through the study of Suzuki cello book 1. New Spring students seeking placement must contact the instructor by email at bchen3@peabody.jhu.edu to schedule a placement interview. Students must obtain their own instrument for the class. Class length will be 60 minutes for four or more students, 45 minutes for three students, or 30 minutes for two students. Minimum of two and maximum of six students.

Fall classes to begin September 10, 2012

Spring classes to begin January 28, 2013

New Student? Request information or Register

Cello 1 for Adults

This course for adults focuses on a healthy and holistic approach to playing the cello. Students will gain knowledge of tone production, principles of shifting, extensions and expressiveness through the study of Suzuki cello book 1 repertoire. This class requires completion of Beginner Cello for Adults or prior instructor approval to register. New students seeking placement who have not completed Beginner Cello for Adults must contact the instructor by email at bchen3@peabody.jhu.edu to schedule a placement interview on Saturday, August 25 at the Peabody downtown campus. Students must obtain their own instrument for the class. Class length will be 60 minutes for four or more students, 45 minutes for three students, or 30 minutes for two students. Minimum of two and maximum of six students.

Fall classes to begin September 10, 2012

Spring classes to begin January 28, 2013

New Student? Request information or Register

Cello 2 for Adults

This course for adults focuses on a healthy and holistic approach to playing the cello in a positive environment. Students will build and solidify their technique through the study of Suzuki cello book 2. Students also learn the art of playing in an ensemble through practicing and performing cello choir music. This class requires completion of Cello 1 for Adults or prior instructor approval to register. New students seeking placement who have not completed Cello 1 for Adults must contact the instructor by email at bchen3@peabody.jhu.edu to schedule a placement interview on Saturday, August 25 at the Peabody downtown campus. Students must obtain their own instrument for the class. Class length will be 60 minutes for four or more students, 45 minutes for three students, or 30 minutes for two students. Minimum of two and maximum of six students.

Fall classes to begin September 10, 2012

Spring classes to begin January 28, 2013

New Student? Request information or Register

Cello 3 for Adults

This course for adults focuses on expressive cello playing and fluidity in the first four positions. This class requires completion of Cello 2 for Adults or prior instructor approval to register. New students seeking placement who have not completed Cello 2 for Adults must contact the instructor by email at bchen3@peabody.jhu.edu to schedule a placement interview on Saturday, August 25 at the Peabody downtown campus. Students must obtain their own instrument for the class. Class length will be 60 minutes for four or more students, 45 minutes for three students, or 30 minutes for two students. Minimum of two and maximum of six students.

Fall classes to begin September 8, 2012

Spring classes to begin January 26, 2013

New Student? Request information or Register

Violin 1 for Adults

This six-week course is designed for adult beginners who have no violin experience. It introduces the violin in an encouraging, low-stress, peer-supportive environment. It will allow participants to decide if their interest in the violin should be further pursued with individual instruction. The course will cover the basics of holding the violin and bow, early bow strokes, the A and E strings, and simple folk songs. Student must obtain their own violin for the class. Minimum of four students.

Fall: 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10
Spring: 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27 

New Student? Request information or Register

Violin 2 for Adults

A six-week course with preference for registration given to students who have completed Class 1. This class is intended as a continuation of Class 1 for adults who have had minimal experience with the violin. This course will introduce the G and D strings, slurs, note reading, and more advanced musical material. Student must obtain their own violin for the class. Minimum of four students.

Fall: 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5
Spring: 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24

New Student? Request information or Register

Violin for Adults

This class is open to adult violin students who have some experience on the violin and can read music. The class will include both individual instruction and group activities and allow students to pursue their interest in the violin in a supportive, low-stress environment. Classes will be for groups of 2, 3, or 4 participants. Groups of two students will meet for 30 minutes, three for 45 minutes and four for 60 minutes. New students may register in the Spring dependant upon space. Student must obtain their own violin for the class. Minimum of two students.

New Student? Request information or Register