Strings

01. A Prep chamber music group rehearses

02. String players can start with us right from the beginning...

03. ...and develop with us into highly accomplished musicians.

04. There's work and learning at all levels...

05. ...and still time for fun and comaraderie along the way!

Magdalena Richter, Strings Department Chair
Sam Ou, Strings Department Assistant Chair

Faculty Directory: Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass | Suzuki

Private Lessons

Private instruction is the foundation of a sound musical education. At NEC Prep, the depth, expertise, and diversity of our faculty assure a great match for our students' individual needs. Private lessons of 30, 45, and 60 minutes are offered for students of all levels (including beginners!) on violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

A unique feature of our private lesson program is that it includes the opportunity to participate in workshops and recitals, evaluations, and our annual concerto competition, which offer every student valuable performance experience and feedback from a variety of teachers.

Prospective string students must set up an audition or placement interview with Magdalena Richter, String Department Chair, who will advise each student personally regarding an appropriate studio teacher placement and path of study. Private lessons can begin at any time during the school year.

Click here to sign up for a placement!

Classes

Sonata-Duo Class

Maria Benotti, Instructor

Violinist-pianist partners study specific works from the violin-sonata literature, two duos sharing a one-hour lesson in workshop format. Each pair performs for their colleagues and in turn observes the others’ instruction, scores in hand. Intensive study of technical as well as interpretive aspects of each sonata is the focus. Performance presence and refinement of ensemble playing, discussion and hearing of concepts are encouraged. Open to upper-intermediate to advanced players.

Saturday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Prep Bass Ensemble

Prep Bass Ensemble is open to beginner and advanced beginner double bass players. Students placed in this ensemble have mastered basic technical aspects of the instrument and have generally studied their instrument for at least 1-3 years. The music is specifically tailored to provide challenging individual parts. Emphasis is on ensemble playing, reading, and common repertoire. Fun will be required as needed.

String Bass Explorers (String Bass Group Class) – NEW!

String Bass Explorers Class is a one-year entry-level program for students 7-11 wanting to learn the string bass. Young bassists will start off learning the fundamentals of string bass technique, holding the instrument, and playing beginning tunes. Reading music is not required and will be covered as part of the class. As the class progresses, String Bass Explorers students will start playing bass ensemble music. Ideally Bass Explorers can be paired with the Eurhythmics class and/or Children's Chorus in which students learn to read and write music, move, sing, and listen together. Students who participated in Musical Explorers in May/June 2017 are encouraged to join with the String Bass or P-Trumpet/P-Bone Explorers class; however, there is no pre-requisite needed to join this class.

Saturday, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Cello Choir

Learn more about Cello Choir here.

Suzuki Group Ensemble Classes

The NEC Prep Suzuki Program includes a 30, 45, or 60 minute private lesson and participation in one of our Suzuki group ensemble classes for students studying violin, viola, and cello. Learn more here.

Other Opportunities for String Students

NEC Prep String students may also be interested in:

Suggested Course Offerings by Age

The following suggested offerings are simply guideline. For more assistance, please contact the Prep office.