Strings Lessons

KTL Strings Program: Building on the Classical Tradition; Expanding out to the Limits

The violin and other bowed strings were made for so much more than just classical music… And yet that tradition has beautiful, mind-expanding music, challenging Etudes, and a deep pedagogy. As a result of this understanding, KTL’s strings program sets itself apart by embracing the fundamentals of classical training and performance along with the diversity of styles such as bluegrass, gypsy jazz, and all things improvisational! Though it has major value, there is much more to life than being stuck in a practice, room preparing for an audition. The viola and its siblings were meant to be played at a jam, composed upon, experimented upon, and enjoyed.

Performance Opportunities: Solo and Ensemble

KTL seeks to give its strings students the full experience of being a string player by giving its students opportunities to play and perform solo and in an ensemble.

At the end of each semester all the strings students for a given location meet up for two rehearsals to practice one piece as a group that they’ll perform at the upcoming formal recital. The repertoire ranges from bluegrass to traditional to classical. The ensemble performance is in addition to each student performing a solo piece at the formal recital (oftentimes with piano accompaniment).

Lessons and classes focus on:

• Reading music

• Learning music by ear

• Technique and posture

• Proper handling and tuning

Our strings teachers tend to use Suzuki method books and supplement with their own materials. Often times the strings teacher will have a new student play without the bow to help ease them into the intricacies of the instrument.