The Community School of Performing Arts offers traditional and Suzuki Method instruction for viola starting at age five. Learn from our renowned faculty in personalized lessons.
To begin the process for individual 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 violists.
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.