SPECIALTY CLASSES
I HAVE DEVELOPED 3 SPECIALTY CLASSES THAT I AM NOW TEACHING AT THE MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
SCALE INTENSIVES
I have developed a new method of learning scales and will be publishing a book of scales using this groundbreaking approach. In these classes you will dissect and improve your scales while also learning all about left hand technique, shifting, and intonation. This is a great class to prepare scales for auditions, All-State Orchestra and to improve your technique and make your practicing more efficient.
All students will receive my new scale book for free! · Learn a problem solving approach to intonation · Learn more efficient ways to practice scales · Learn to make your shifts completely reliable · Build dexterity and left hand strength · Gain confidence as you polish and perfect your scales · And we will do all of this in a supportive and fun group environment! Level one is for students just beginning to learn 3 Octave scales. They must have experience with 5th position and have completed Suzuki bk. 4 Level two is for students who know 5 or 10 3 Octave scales. Level three is for students that have played all 3 octave scales, both major and minor and want to polish and perfect. We will also take a look at 3 octave arpeggios and how to use the Carl Flesch Scale book.
BACH DOUBLE: PERFORM A CONCERTO AND LEARN ENSEMBLE PLAYING!
I have developed a new and innovative learning experience for students interested in performing the Bach Double Concerto and learning ensemble playing from the inside.
This class, taking part over sessions on 5 days, combines both solo and chamber music skills. We will rehearse and perform the Bach Double Concerto, with each participant learning both solo parts and all orchestral parts.
This is the only seminar of this kind being offered in the Chicago area. Spaces are limited in this inaugural year so sign up now! IN this class you will · Play a concerto solo (all students come prepared with both the 1st and 2nd solo parts of the Bach Double Concerto) · Learn the valuable skill of leading an ensemble both as a concertmaster and also as a soloist – there is no conductor! · Become an adept ensemble player by playing every part in this piece – all solo and orchestral parts – learning true musicianship from the inside · Learn to read a score · Be inspired, learn from your colleagues and take part in the best part of being a musician- playing in a small group with others. · Graduates of this class will be offered further performance opportunities in 2025-26 This class is designed for young players interested in solo performance and improving their ability to succeed in ensembles at the highest level. It is also designed to help students prepare for youth orchestras, summer festivals, and programs like the MIC Academy. Prerequisites: Students MUST know and be able to confidently play the solo parts and orchestra parts thoroughly before the class begins. Level 1 is for students who will perform the first movement of the Bach Level 2 is for students who have previous ensemble experience. In addition to the first movement we will work on the 2nd and 3rd movements if time permits.
SOLO BACH AND INTERPRETATION FOR VIOLINISTS AND VIOLISTS
This is a new class for advanced violinists and violists who have prior experience learning and performing unaccompanied Bach Sonatas, Partitas and Suites. I created this class to introduce interpretation and phrasing to advanced young students. I believe everyone can learn to be an expressive interpretive artist and I teach the tools, in a step-by-step interactive way, to achieve this.
Have you ever wondered how to shape a phrase and create drama and excitement in a performance? Or how judges and committees listen to determine if you are a strong player and sophisticated musician? Do you feel that you just do what your teacher says when it comes to phrasing and expression?
In this class we will work on exactly these things and with immediate results! We all need unaccompanied Bach for competitions as well as auditions for summer festivals, pre-college programs like the MIC Academy and college music schools and conservatories. Upping your Bach game will yield results in these important moments. But also the knowledge of phrasing and interpretation will serve young musicians well in all repertoire. My goals for this class are to: · demystify the process of interpretation · give students a useful toolbox of techniques for step-by-step phrasing and interpretation that make an immediate difference that you can hear · teach critical thinking, how to assess your progress and ultimately, how to teach yourself. · help students take this knowledge to become better musicians in all repertoire, not just Bach · teach specific tricks and techniques to create direction, excitement and a long line – and creating an outlet for your musical expression · give each student individual attention Prerequisites: The first movement of the First Sonata in G minor by Bach is required and must be prepared in advance (Violists accepted into the class will play this movement a 5th lower). We will work on this together as well as another movement of any Bach Sonata, Partita or Suite (with the exception of all fugues and the Chaconne)
SCALE LEVEL 1 June 9, 10, and 11 from 9:30-12
SCALE LEVEL 2 June 16, 17, and 18 from 9:30-12
SCALE LEVEL 3 June 16, 17, and 18 from 1-3:30​
SOLO BACH and INTERPRETATION June 9, 10, and 11 from 1-4
BACH DOUBLE LEVEL 1 June 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 from 9:30-12
BACH DOUBLE LEVEL 2 June 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 from 1-3:30
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