string

The CPSM string program offers both Suzuki and traditional string instruction. Classes meet weekly on Saturdays; private lessons may be taken on Saturdays or weekday afternoons and evenings.

Once students have reached qualified level of development, they will be placed in a string orchestra.

Chamber music is an elective that is available to intermediate through advanced students. For more information, please refer to the Chamber Music page.

suzuki violin, viola, and cello

• private 30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly lesson
• musicianship class
• Suzuki group class
• reading class or orchestra when eligible

Students may enter the Suzuki String Program between the ages of four and six.

Utilizing the philosophy and approach of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki method of teaching is based on the belief that “every child can be educated”. Students learn to play an instrument much the same way they learn to speak their native language. This “mother tongue” method was developed by Dr. Suzuki after he noticed the highly developed language skills of young children. Suzuki students learn their instruments in a positive environment in which teachers and parents work together to develop these skills through necessary repetition and reinforcement. For this reason, we can accept children as young as four years of age.

Aside from developing fine young musicians, the goal of Suzuki training is to help every child find the joy that comes through music-making. Through this growing process, children thrive in an environment of total support, as they develop confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline and concentration. Suzuki students acquire not only the sensitivity and skill for making music, but also an enduring capacity to enjoy music.

Suzuki String group classes are assigned on the basis of performance level. Group classes focus on the development of technique and solo repertoire. Students perform individually and in groups. Classes provide preparation for concert performances and reinforce technical developments.

One of the goals of the CPSM Suzuki Program is to integrate the Suzuki student into the traditional environment. Beginning students receive reading skills in private lessons. Intermediate students take a reading class in preparation for acceptance into the Prep Orchestra.

traditional violin, viola, cello and bass

• private 30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly lesson
• musicianship class
• orchestra when eligible

Traditional (non-Suzuki) instruction is available to students ages six and older. We welcome beginning through advanced students at any age.

For a student learning a string instrument in school, our program offers an excellent opportunity to further develop their technical, reading and performance skills. Students who decide to major in music have studied at prestigious universities or conservatories. Many students, as non-music majors, go on to participate in university orchestras and performance ensembles.

orchestra

CPSM offers three orchestral ensembles for students of the intermediate and advanced levels of playing to participate in.

The Prep Orchestra is a rudimentary string orchestra designed for young strings students who have not played in an orchestral ensemble before. This ensemble introduces them to playing in a group setting under the musical direction of a conductor.

The String Orchestra is an intermediate string ensemble which begins to explore music that is a bit more advanced than that of the Prep Orchestra. The prerequisite for admittance into this class is either prior participation in the Prep Orchestra (with recommendation from the Prep Orchestra conductor), or by audition.

The Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced of the three CPSM orchestral ensembles. This ensemble is designed for advanced string students, with the occasional addition of winds and brass players, all with a playing level suitable to explore the more standard string and full orchestral repertoire. Admittance into the CPSM Chamber Orchestra is by audition only.

All three orchestras perform twice annually in our winter and spring concerts, held in LeFrak Concert Hall.

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