Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of Music*All new students are required to audition to be placed in the appropriate strings group. See below for eligibility and audition guidelines.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of making music together from the start of their musical journey. Our West Side Strings Program offers young musicians a progression of group classes tailored to their age and skill levels, from beginners embarking on their exciting musical path in our Spruce Class to experienced string players who are ready to join CCM’s Overture String Orchestra.
West Side Strings and Overture String Orchestra conductor Armando Ortiz brings to the program his enthusiasm for the collaborative learning process and for the connective and emotional power of music.
Students are expected to make a year-long commitment to their strings group. The year-long program includes 34 private lessons and 30 group classes/rehearsals.
In the West Side Strings Program, we create a holistic and nurturing learning environment, where students develop and enhance their ensemble skills through a rigorous study of ensemble literature and improve their overall musicianship through a variety of engaging activities. Throughout the year, we welcome guest instructors and teaching artists so that students can benefit from a diverse array of perspectives and expertise. Each group class will have opportunities to perform at least two concerts annually.
We intentionally keep our class size small. This allows us to create a close-knit, friendly community of immersive learning where students receive individual attention while fostering strong relationships with faculty members and fellow musicians. We build an atmosphere of patience, trust, and empathy so that students feel comfortable taking risks and learn to celebrate the process as they acquire skills of music-making.
Making music with peers is much more than just fun. Playing in a musical ensemble, much like participating in a sports team, allows students to foster the ability to collaborate with others, as well as discover the joy of making music together. Students will not only hone an awareness of blend and balance in terms of intonation, style, phrasing, and character, but will also work towards a common goal with others based on connection and trust.
All new students are required to complete a placement audition to ensure appropriate group placement within the broader strings program. Participants need not be CCM students, but are required to be in private lessons with a qualified instructor.
📅 Fall Placement Audition:
|
The guidelines below indicate what students can expect in each group level as well as what they should prepare for their auditions. Students should prepare a piece chosen by their private teacher and the specific scales listed below. Students should also expect to sight read in their audition.
Placement is firstly based on playing level, rather than age.
Schedule: Fridays, 4:45-5:25 pm (minimum 1 year of study)
Students are ready for Oak when they are able to play the following:
Schedule: Fridays, 4:00-4:40 pm (minimum 2 years of study)
Students are ready for Maple when they are able to play the following:
Schedule: Fridays, 5:30-6:30 pm (4+ years of study)
Students are ready for OSO when they are able to play the following:
Our Spruce Class is designed for first-time beginners, and no placement audition is necessary.
Oak class is open to beginning violin, viola, and cello students. Students placed in this class have generally studied their instrument for at least 1 year and have a basic understanding of the technical rudiments of their instrument. This class is designed to continue developing ensemble skills, provide solo performance opportunities in a masterclass format, and continue to develop theory, rhythmic and ear training skills.
Maple class is open to advanced beginning violin, viola, and cello students. Students placed in this class have generally studied their instrument for at least 2 years and have a solid technical foundation on their instrument and can read music well. This class is designed to develop ensemble skills in a more intensive and focused structure and provide solo performance opportunities in a masterclass format.
CCM’s Overture String Orchestra provides a challenging and fulfilling chamber orchestra experience available to intermediate violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists. Participation in the OSO will enhance students’ musicianship by heightening their ability to listen to their peers, gain leadership and cooperative skills, and perform as a cohesive ensemble. Through this intimate and customized group experience, the OSO will reinforce and support concepts addressed in the students’ school orchestra programs. The OSO will perform at least twice per academic year.
For more information and to register, please call (978) 369-0010 or email us or sign up today.