Strings Instruction
Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Harp, and Electric, Acoustic and Bass Guitar
Carol Redfield Vizzini, Department Head
String instruction at the Conservatory is tailored by the teacher to the student’s interest and ability. Conservatory teachers have training in a wide variety of methods and approaches and work with the student to choose the one that is most appropriate. The beginning student will usually be well-grounded first in the basics—holding the instrument with good posture, developing good listening skills, and producing a good sound with the bow—before advancing to note reading. Students are not taught note reading before they are ready, usually when they are reading words. Students first learn through listening and imitation “games.” Although group classes are not required in traditional instruction, some teachers may organize their own group classes among students studying similar repertoire.
The Suzuki philosophy stresses the development of ability through the “mother tongue” approach, which emphasizes learning through listening, imitation, repetition, games, and practice—with the teacher, parent, and student working as a team. Progress is made from skill to skill in carefully structured lessons that include parent participation and help for the parent who will be guiding home practice. Listening daily to recordings of the music the children will play is an essential part of the method. Each week, a Suzuki student attends a private lesson and a group class. Group classes are a very important aspect in that they stimulate interest, reinforce musical and technical development, and provide opportunities for performance.
Please note that classical guitar students need a classical nylon-stringed guitar. (Acoustic steel-stringed or electric guitars are traditionally used for folk and rock music.) Students may choose to study classical, jazz, rock, folk, or a combination of styles. Students registering for guitar must specify on the registration form which style they would like to study.
All string students, with the exception of harp, are expected to have an instrument with them at the first lesson. Students may be fitted for stringed instruments at local music stores or may bring an instrument on loan from their school music program to the lesson. In terms of harp instruction, students will be contacted by the instructor for information about procuring an instrument.
Families with prospective students under the minimum age* may request an interview (30-minute maximum) if they would like to be considered for private instruction. Families will be asked to complete a registration form and pay an interview fee of $25 before the interview. Upon acceptance of a student under the suggested minimum age, the registration fee and tuition deposit will be due before the student can be placed with a teacher.
* The minimum age for traditional study is 6; for private guitar study, 8; for Suzuki violin, 3 (an interview is required for all new students); for Suzuki cello, 4. The recommended minimum lesson length is 45 minutes.
To view private instruction tuition rates, click here.
- Download the class schedule for all locations (PDF)* as of September 10, 2008
Westminster Conservatory offers a wide range of classes and ensembles to meet the needs of every student, from the beginner to the most advanced student, regardless of age. Some classes are intended as an introduction to music, and require no previous experience. Others are designed to complement private instruction. Most classes run 32 weeks per year. Class length is based upon minimum enrollment. Some classes may be offered with a smaller enrollment by reducing the class length. In this case, the tuition remains the same.
Suzuki Violin Pre-Twinkle Group Package
Ages 3 and above
Group classes are required for all students taking private Suzuki violin lessons. Suzuki Pre-Twinkle violin students (beginners) register for a class package in which they receive an initial interview, group lessons, a yearly evaluation, and solo and group recitals. In addition, Pre-Twinklers receive orientation materials including Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki, Suzuki Violin Method Volume 1 Book, Suzuki Violin Method Volume 1 CD, the Westminster Conservatory Suzuki Program handbook, a Conservatory tote bag, and a parent education class. This package is in addition to the fee for private lessons (see page X). Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 45 minutes
Tuition: $531 (materials are non-refundable) Suzuki Violin Group Package
Book 1+
Ages 4 and above
Group and music theory classes are required for all students taking private Suzuki violin lessons who are in Book 1 and above. Students register for a class package in which they receive group lessons and music theory classes, a yearly evaluation, and solo and group recitals. This package is in addition to the fee for private lessons (see page X). Princeton location only.
Book 1 and above tuition (includes both group class and music theory): $599
Number of group classes: 32
Class length: 45 minutes
Number of music theory classes: 26
Class length: 30 minutes for Books 1-2; 45 minutes for Book 3 and above (4-person minimum)
Suzuki Violin Group
Ages 3 and above
This group is offered to Suzuki violin students who study privately outside the Conservatory. Classes are 45 minutes in length, with 32 classes in the academic year. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 45
Tuition: $552 (Instructor approval necessary)
Suzuki Cello Group
Laurie Cascante, Instructor
Ages 4 and above
Group classes are required for all student taking private Suzuki cello lessons. Classes are 30 or 45 minutes in length, with 32 classes in the academic year. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 30 minutes for Pre-Twinkle; 45 minutes for Book 1 and above
Tuition: $456, if studying privately at the Conservatory; ($552, if studying privately with a Suzuki teacher outside the Conservatory; instructor approval is necessary.) Music Theory for Suzuki Students
Susan Bennett Bakshi, Instructor
Ages 5-14
This course is a fun, yet challenging introduction to music reading and theory using skills Suzuki students have already mastered through playing and listening. The course will be customized for the individual students in each class using various materials, games, and hard work. Students will be grouped by their current book level. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 26
Class length: 30 minutes for Violin Books 1-2, Cello Books 1-3; 45 minutes for Violin Book 3 and above, Cello Book 4 and above (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $143, if studying privately at the Conservatory; ($286, if studying privately with a Suzuki teacher outside the Conservatory)
Pianos and Pizzicati
Grades 1-2 (beginners only)
This class will introduce students to keyboard, strings, and beginning music theory. Using a group-class format, students will spend 8 weeks exploring each type of instrument and setting practice goals for reinforcement at home. While the class will meet at the same time each week, the students will be divided into two groups and meet in separate rooms for each instrument. At the mid-point of the fall term, students will switch instruments—for example, piano for 8 weeks and then cello for 8 weeks. In the spring term, students will continue with more advanced activities in their rotation; the violin will replace the cello. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 55 minutes (8-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $30 plus applicable instrument rental fees
Pizzicati Encore Strings New!
Carol Vizzini, Instructor
For returning Pianos and Pizzicati students only
This class is for violin and cello students who have taken the Pianos and Pizzicati class and want to continue playing in a group setting. Students will learn new repertoire with an emphasis on pieces (canons and rounds) which can be played in unison but can also be broken up into individual parts which will harmonize. Note reading will be introduced, but the focus will be on learning pieces by ear. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $30 plus applicable instrument rental fees
Cello Orchestra
Laurie Cascante, Instructor
Ages 8-15
In its fifth year, the Cello Orchestra focuses on cello ensemble arrangements of classical and contemporary works as well as selections from the early Broadway musical genre. Past works have included arrangements of the first movement of J.S. Bach's Double Violin Concerto, Pavane by Gabriel Fauré, and "America" from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story. The goal of the orchestra is for students to be exposed to a wide range of repertoire and to master ensemble versions in a thoroughly enjoyable setting. The orchestra is divided into two groups (based on age and playing level). These groups merge into one orchestra in the latter part of the spring term, in preparation for the end-of-the-year studio recital. An optional event is an annual class trip to the New York City Ballet in Manhattan. Students are treated to a backstage tour, as well as an evening of choreography set to the very music they are learning at that time. This group is strongly recommended for students who are enrolled in private cello lessons with Laurie Cascante. Any student of another Conservatory cello teacher is welcome to join the orchestra, at the discretion of his/her teacher. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 45 minutes
Tuition: $456
Materials fee: $20
Cremona Ensemble
Advanced Violin Students
The Cremona Ensemble is a high level performance-oriented class which includes group rehearsals of solo and chamber repertoire, as well as individual solo pieces in a master class style. The class includes three concert performances each year of group repertoire, and at least one solo performance for each student. The class is open to advanced middle- and high-school students from all Conservatory violin teachers, of all methods and backgrounds.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 45 minutes
Tuition: $456
CHAMBER MUSIC
- Download the class schedule for all locations (PDF)* as of September 10, 2008
Experience the joy of making music in a small ensemble! Westminster Conservatory offers reading ensembles as well as coached chamber groups, depending on your playing goals.
Adult Chamber Reading Ensemble
Marjorie Selden, Coordinator
Adults
Here’s a unique opportunity for adult musicians to meet every other week to play together in small wind, string, or mixed ensembles. The coordinator organizes ensembles according to playing level, interest and compatibility, and advises members regarding repertoire. Different reading ensembles—working on their own—will be created from week to week, and new repertoire will be sightread. Westminster provides music scores, studio space, stands, and pianos. Wind and string participants bring their own instruments. Each session will include a coffee break with light refreshments and time to socialize. Princeton location only. This program has been made possible, in part, through the generosity of ACMP—The Chamber Music Network, and the Clinton B. Ford Fund of its ACMP Foundation, an organization that promotes chamber music activities for amateur musicians.
Number of sessions: 16 (ensembles meet every other week)
Session length: 3 hours
Tuition: $240
Coached Chamber Ensemble
Elena Panova, Coordinator
All Ages
Students of any age or level are matched with other musicians for duo, trio, and quartet performing. Groups meet weekly for individual coaching by a Conservatory faculty member. This program will introduce students to a broader range of repertoire and provide the opportunity for interaction with other musicians at the same level. Participants are encouraged to perform in community settings. This class is open to all instruments. An interview/audition is required for placement.
Number of sessions: 32
Session length: 45 minutes
Tuition: $680
VIOLIN/VIOLA FACULTY
Vladimir Agilin (violin)
Neil Bakshi (violin)
Ileana Ciumac (violin)
Ana Constantine (violin)
Bardha Denizi (violin/viola)
Elizabeth Guerriero (violin)
Alexander Izotov (viola/violin)
Aimee Morrill Briant (violin/viola)
Judith Morse (violin/viola)
Emily Muller (violin/viola)
Kathleen Overfield-Zook (violin/viola)
Sergei Panov (violin/viola)
Dezheng Ping (violin)
Marjorie Selden (viola/violin)
Amy Zakar (violin) (leave of absence)
CELLO FACULTY
Melissa Anderson
Eric Coyne
Laurie Cascante
Tomasz Rzeczycki
Carol Redfield Vizzini
UPRIGHT BASS AND BASS GUITAR FACULTY
Paul Hofreiter
Mike Taylor
GUITAR FACULTY
James Day
Paul Hofreiter
Mark Johnstone
Peter Plomchok
Mike Taylor
HARP FACULTY
Alison Simpson
To view faculty bios, click here.
*All PDF files require Adobe Reader (free).
Westminster Conservatory of Music - (609) 921-7104 - wccConserv@rider.edu
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