String Programs
Beginning Strings
Ages 4-6
Our Beginning Strings program (ages 4–6) is thoughtfully designed for young children who are just starting their musical journey. At this age, we believe children learn best when they feel encouraged by their peers while also receiving personal attention from their teacher.
Each class begins together in a warm, engaging group setting where students explore music through singing, movement, rhythm activities, listening exercises, musical games, and imitation-based learning. During this time, students are introduced to important foundational skills such as posture, instrument setup, and bow hold in a fun and age-appropriate way. These shared activities help build confidence, focus, coordination, and excitement for music while creating a strong sense of community among students.
After the first 15–20 minutes together, students break into small group lessons with a teacher ratio of approximately 2–4 students per instructor. In these smaller groups, teachers are able to provide individualized guidance and technical correction while continuing to reinforce healthy playing habits and musical understanding.
Our hybrid class structure is intentional. Private lessons alone can sometimes feel overwhelming or isolating for very young beginners, while large group classes may not provide enough individualized support. By combining both approaches, students benefit from consistent foundational instruction, meaningful peer interaction, and personalized teaching that supports healthy technique, steady progress, and a lifelong love of music from the very beginning.
String Foundations
Ages 7-9
Our String foundations program (ages 7–9) is designed for students who are ready to build upon their foundational skills while growing in musical independence and confidence. At this age, students benefit tremendously from learning alongside peers, where healthy encouragement, teamwork, and shared progress help keep motivation high and learning enjoyable.
Classes focus on developing beautiful tone production, rhythm literacy, note reading, scales, ear training, and beginning ensemble skills. Students learn not only how to play with greater control and consistency, but also how to listen carefully, follow musical direction, and collaborate with others.
Each class is typically 60–90 minutes and begins with a 20–30 minute shared technique class where students work together on posture, tone, rhythm, scales, listening skills, and foundational ensemble concepts. Students then transition into breakout sectionals or private/small-group instruction, allowing teachers to provide individualized feedback and targeted support based on each student’s level and needs. Classes also include occasional ensemble reading opportunities so students can begin experiencing the excitement and responsibility of playing together as a group.
This age is especially ideal for partner learning, healthy peer motivation, and the development of beginning chamber music skills. Our hybrid structure continues to provide the balance of individualized instruction and collaborative learning that helps students grow steadily while developing confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for music.
Youth Strings
Ages 10-13
Our Intermediate Strings division is designed for students who are ready to deepen their technical skills, musical expression, and ensemble awareness in a supportive and inspiring environment. At this stage, students begin developing greater independence on their instrument while continuing to benefit from strong mentorship, peer motivation, and collaborative music-making.
Instruction focuses on shifting, vibrato, scales and arpeggios, ensemble skills, musical phrasing, and audition preparation. As students grow technically and artistically, they are encouraged to listen more carefully, refine their tone, and develop confidence both as soloists and ensemble musicians.
Classes continue with our hybrid instructional model, where students begin together in a shared technique and musicianship class before transitioning into breakout sectionals, chamber groups, or individualized instruction. This structure allows students to learn within a cohesive musical community while still receiving personalized guidance tailored to their development.
At this level, many students also benefit from expanded musical opportunities such as chamber music, orchestra participation, masterclasses, and more focused private instruction. Our goal is to help students build not only technical strength, but also artistry, discipline, collaboration, and a lifelong connection to music.
WAYA Strings
Advanced/Pre-Conservatory Ages 14+
Our Advanced Strings / Pre-Conservatory division is designed for dedicated students seeking a high level of artistic and technical development within a nurturing and ambitious musical environment. Students at this stage are challenged to grow as thoughtful musicians, expressive performers, and confident young artists.
Instruction focuses on advanced technique, solo repertoire, orchestral excerpts, chamber music, audition and competition preparation, and overall artistic development. Students are guided toward greater musical maturity through detailed technical work, stylistic understanding, and deeper interpretive skills.
Advanced students continue to benefit from both individualized instruction and collaborative learning experiences. The program may include studio classes, mock auditions, chamber coaching, performance seminars, masterclasses, and mentorship opportunities that prepare students for youth symphonies, conservatory pathways, summer festivals, competitions, and collegiate-level music study.
One of the defining features of our program is the balance between rigorous training and meaningful community. Students are part of a unified musical culture where shared fundamentals, ensemble values, and mentorship create both consistency and connection across the department. Older students are also encouraged to serve as leaders and role models within the program, helping cultivate a supportive and inspiring environment for younger musicians.
Our goal is not only to prepare students for advanced musical opportunities, but to help them develop confidence, artistry, discipline, and a lasting love for music-making at the highest level they wish to pursue.