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. Violin/Viola Olympics

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

3. Bach Chorales - Cello Ensemble

Join our cello ensemble to explore Bach chorales, focusing on sight-reading skills and intonation. Level: Beginner/Intermediate.

4. Piano Talk

Selection of topics from our expert piano teachers addressing common issues encountered in piano performances and auditions. Level: Intermediate/advanced. 

5. Studio Ghibli Melodies for Strings

Join us as we immerse ourselves in the music of Joe Hisaishi, the composer behind the magic of Ghibli. We will explore and learn music from Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky, and other classic films. Level: beginner/intermediate.

6. 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).

7. Community Engagement

Explore using music for good in this class, focusing on building community partnerships. Learn from NoteLove, a student-led non-profit, about their experiences. Bring your creativity and curiosity to create positive change! Ages 13-18. 

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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. All Pianists. 

2. Movie Music Frenzy String Orchestra Workshop

In this immersive string orchestra reading workshop, participants will explore the music of Hollywood blockbusters and experience the art of bringing cinematic melodies to life! We will dive into the musical scores of Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Avengers and many others. Level: beginner/intermediate.

3. Creative Practice

Feeling stuck or short on practice time? Learn creative practice techniques in this hands-on class! Make your practice efficient, effective, and joyful. Ages 9-13.

4. 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).

5. How to Record for Audition and Competitions

Learn the ins and outs of setting up recordings for auditions and competitions. 

Level: intermediate/advanced musicians. All instruments.