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 gives every student valuable performance experience and feedback from a variety of teachers.

Prospective string students must take a placement with Magdalena Richter, String Department Chair, who will advise each student regarding an appropriate studio teacher and path of study. Private lessons can begin at any time during the school year. Get more information by using the button below or by contacting the Prep Office.

Placement Form

NEW! Virtual Solo Strings Competition

New this year for our Strings Department, we will be having a virtual competition featuring works for unaccompanied violin, viola and cello. The goal is to enrich and broaden our students’ practice and performance experience by introducing them to a wealth of repertoire written for their instrument without accompaniment with the hope this competition becomes an annual event.

Current NEC Prep students interested in participating in this competition should read the competition rules on our competitions page here. If you have any questions, please email the NEC Prep Office.

Classes

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.

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) 

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 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.

Other Opportunities for String Students

NEC Prep String students may also be interested in:

Suggested Course Offerings by Age

The following suggested courses are a guideline. Because our program are à la carte, your student can choose to enroll in one activity or any combination of activities. For more assistance, please contact the Prep office.

Strings Ages 4-7

Please see our programs for Young Children.

 

Strings Ages 8-11

Please see our programs for Young Children.

 

Strings Ages 12-15

 

Strings Ages 16-18