Summer Studio: Group Class Descriptions

Please note that certain Group Classes now have pre-requisites. As long as you meet the pre-requisites, you can join that class. 
Group class topics are subject to change. 

SCHEDULES*
Tuesdays: June 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, and 28, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wednesdays: June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Thursdays: June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Group classes are subject to change.
TUESDAY CLASSES (6-7 P.M.)
June 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, and 28
VIOLIN AND VIOLA FOR MOMS AND DADS
The purpose of this class is to give parents some first-hand experience on their children's instrument. Parents will learn how to hold the bow, isolate their bow-arm, hold the violin/viola, and control their left-hand, all well enough to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Parents will also learn the musical alphabet, and how the notes on their instrument are named.
Instructor: Karles McQuade
Pre-Requisite: Have a child enrolled in violin, viola, or cello with SFYSA
I CAN PLAY THAT!
In every musician’s life there comes a time when an Aunt or a Grandma says “Play ______ for me!” and it’s often a song you know, but haven’t learned yet. Learn how to play some commonly recognized pieces, and how to teach yourself songs on your instrument by ear! In this class we’ll learn how to listen critically, and how to apply what we hear to our fingers. Soon you’ll be saying: “I’m taking requests! What would you like to hear?”
Instructor: Haley Lovelace
Pre-Requisite: Twinkle
WEDNESDAY CLASSES (6-7 P.M.)
June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
CHAMBER MUSIC
A chamber ensemble is a small group of musicians, usually 3 to 8, that play music together without a conductor. Chamber groups usually rehearse with a coach, who helps the group rehearse but does not actually conduct or perform. The music is not as difficult as standard Suzuki repertory, so students can learn it easily, to make it easier to play as a group. Interested students will be assigned to a chamber group based on their level and experience.
Instructor: Christine Chen
Pre-Requisite: Suzuki Book 2 or equivalent, plus some note-reading experience
COMPOSITION
Composition is the art of writing music. Students will learn some basic guidelines for how music is usually written, and then do a lot of writing themselves. Students will also learn how to make different choices of music-writing depending on the instrument they're writing for, as well as extending techniques for writing for violin, viola, cello, and any other requested instrument.
Instructor: Karles McQuade
Pre-Requisite: Suzuki Book 2 or equivalent, plus some note-reading experience
THURSDAY CLASSES (6-7 P.M.)
 June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
ACOUSTICS
Acoustics is the study of sound. Using a variety of conceptual demonstrations, including the Schladni Plate, the monochord, water-glasses, and strobe-lights, students will develop a fundamental understanding of how sound is produced and how it affects its surroundings, including the human ear, metals, air, and water.
Instructor: Karles McQuade
Pre-Requisite: None
PRACTICE PARTNER TRAINING
Ever wanted to teach violin or viola? Want to earn some experience as a teacher and youth mentor? Be a practice partner! A practice partner is an advanced student that has learned some basic pedagogy (teacher-training) and helps younger students practice during the week. Some practice partners meet with a student once a week, some meet every day! This class will cover a brief overview of skills taught from Pre-Twinkle through Book 1 of the Suzuki method. We will also cover practicing techniques, as well as some common pitfalls and how to overcome them.
Instructor: Haley Lovelace
Pre-Requisite: Suzuki Book 3 or equivalent
*Great opportunity for eligible ISO, YPO, and YSO students!*