Masterclasses 

Selected students will perform solo work in front of an audience and workshop teacher. Students are allowed to sign up for registered or secondary instruments.

Please pick one class from each category below:

Category A: Pick one topic. Class will meet 3 times

1. Piano Olympics

Students will participate in games designed to improve their fundamental skills on the piano. Level: beginner/intermediate.

2. Cello Olympics

Students will participate in games designed to improve their fundamental skills on the cello. Level: beginner/intermediate.

3. Olympics for Winds

Students will participate in games designed to improve their fundamental skills on their instrument. Level: all winds.

4. Great String Performers of the Past

Learn about important musicians from the past and how string playing has changed over the years through watching and listening to historic recordings. Level: all strings.

5. Piano Talks

Selection of topics from our expert piano teachers addressing common issues encountered in piano performances and auditions. Ages 12 and up. 

6. World Fiddle Styles

This series will explore fiddle playing styles from around the world, including Old-Time, Celtic, and Bluegrass. Students will learn to improvise on traditional fiddle music for dances, incorporating ear training, groove, harmony, improvisation, and arranging. Level: all strings.

Equipment: instrument, recording device (smart phone, optional)

7. Advanced Strings Studies 

Students will have the option to (1) participate in additional chamber music rehearsals, (2) practice individually and attend targeted mini lessons by our faculty members, (3) attend orchestra excerpt class focusing on NYO/SFSYO audition repertoire with San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra violin coach, or (4) attend performance class. Level: advanced (pre-approval only). 

8. Improvisation

Improvisation is the secret weapon of a well-rounded musician. Using musical games, students will learn how to expand their instrument's vocabulary through adventures in the world of improvisation including baroque, jazz, contemporary and other forms. No previous experience necessary. All instruments, ages 9-13.

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Category B: Pick one Topic. Class will meet 2 times

1. Piano Talks

Selection of topics and activities from our expert piano teachers addressing common issues encountered in piano performances and auditions. Ages 9-12.

2. The Strum Bowing Method

Explore Tracy Silverman’s approach for string players to play grooves in contemporary popular music, using the bow like you’re strumming a guitar. Students will learn the art of playing in the “rhythm section” of a band and apply these techniques to create string covers of popular tunes. Level: all strings.

3. How to Promote Music Through Social Media Part 1 - Photography

Learn how to effectively promote your music using social media platforms. 

Level: ages 12 and up. 

Equipment: smart phone, iPad, any camera 

4. Music Business

Have a great idea and want to make it a reality? Want to learn how music businesses work? Curious what is a 501(c)3 or an LLC? With 25 years of experience as an executive director of a nonprofit, Mr. Wood will guide students through the steps needed to be successful in the music business so they can realize their ideas fully. Topics will include fundraising, marketing, operations, and leadership. Ages 14-18.

5. Advanced Strings Studies 

Students will have the option to (1) participate in additional chamber music rehearsals, (2) practice individually and attend targeted mini lessons by our faculty members, (3) attend orchestra excerpt class focusing on NYO/SFSYO audition repertoire with San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra violin coach, or (4) attend performance class. Level: advanced (pre-approval only).