The Community School of Performing Arts offers traditional and Suzuki Method instruction for violin starting at age five. Learn from our renowned faculty in personalized lessons.
To begin the process for violin lessons, please submit an inquiry form.
For those seeking engaging camps after the school year ends, the Community School offers summer programming to provide high-quality arts training for violinists.
For students seeking performance experience, the Community School offers chamber and orchestral groups designed to develop and refine a student’s skills.
Ages 13–18
Colburn Sinfonietta is a mid-sized ensemble of the Community School. This ensemble combines winds and strings to play works by composers, such as Beethoven and Haydn. The Colburn Sinfonietta accepts students 13-18 years old.
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Colburn Youth Orchestra is the largest advanced ensemble of the Community School. This is a full symphonic orchestra with strings, winds, brass, and percussion. The Colburn Youth Orchestra accepts students 13-18 years old.
The Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute offers one of the most comprehensive and intense pre-college level chamber music learning experiences of any music school in North America. Students are coached weekly by members of Colburn’s acclaimed faculty.
Age minimum: fifth grade or 10 years old by September 1
The String Ensemble is made up of nearly 30 violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Students in the ensemble will focus on development of orchestral performance techniques, musicianship, sight-reading, and ensemble skills. Repertoire is in the intermediate range.
Age minimum: sixth grade or 11 years old by September 1
The String Orchestra is made up of nearly 30 violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Musicians in the String Orchestra have achieved a level of intermediate or advanced musicianship and can tackle the challenge of a more intricate repertoire. Featured composers often include Corelli, Handel, Mozart, Holst, and Richard Meyer.
Designed for both Suzuki and traditional violin students, the Violin Ensemble (VE), previously known as Violin Sight Reading and Musicianship (VSRM), is an entry-level ensemble for the Community School of Performing Arts pre-college orchestra program. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing reading skills, developing musicianship, and introducing orchestral performance techniques, such as learning proper violin posture when seated with a music stand and how to read and mark a music score.
All new and returning students must audition for placement.
Duration
Weekly on Wednesdays, 6:00 – 6:40 pm
Prerequisites
Participants must study privately and are required to have finished Joanne Martin, I Can Read Music, Volume 1 prior to audition. No previous orchestral experience is necessary.
Minimum Age Requirement
3rd grade; must be eight years old by September 1, 2024
Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
Dvořák Humoresque (Suzuki Vol. 3)
Audition Information
In-person auditions for the 2024–2025 academic year will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2024. Upon completion of the application form, a link will be provided to schedule an audition time.
Audition Requirements
Please be prepared to demonstrate:
Audition results will be sent via email by midnight on June 15.