Summer Strings
During the summer months, the Strings Department offers weekly lessons and classes as well as week-long daily intensives.
Young People's String Program
The Young People’s String Program (YPSP) is a creative blend of Suzuki philosophy, Paul Rolland’s approach to movement in string playing, and traditional string pedagogy. Shinichi Suzuki’s philosophy embraces the idea that all children are born with musical ability that can be nurtured at an early age through their environment, listening, imitation, and by working closely with a parent at home. Paul Rolland’s work focuses on relaxation and freedom of movement in string playing.
Traditional string pedagogy enhances these approaches by incorporating the development of technique and musicianship through scales, etudes, music reading, and a variety of repertoire. Our faculty members bring their own experiences to the program as they work together in creating a solid foundation and inspiring environment for our young string players. YPSP students attend individual instruction and a group lesson each week. Parent participation is required.
For Current Students
Additional Information
Individual instruction is available to children and adults of all experience levels—from beginners through the most advanced levels of study. Lessons are scheduled at our Downtown, Howard County, and Towson Peabody Preparatory locations on an individual basis and are contingent upon teacher availability. Students enrolled in individual instruction are required to have a practice instrument available.
Note: Beginner violin students (ages 5-8) who would like to start over the summer are encouraged to take our Introduction to Violin group class. Beginner cello students (ages 4-6) are encouraged to take our Cello Fun group class during the summer. We do not offer private violin and cello instruction for beginners over the summer.
Introductory Classes
Fiddlers Four for students ages 4-5 (yearlong)
Cello Fun for students ages 4-5 (yearlong)
Introduction to Violin for students ages 5-8 (summer only)
Cello Fun for students ages 4-6 (summer only)
YPSP Violin, Viola & Cello
At the placement interview, an overview of the YPSP program and an introduction to Suzuki philosophy will be presented. This will include discussion of the role of parents in lessons and the importance of daily practice, both key elements of the Suzuki approach. An orientation regarding group classes (which all YPSP students attend in addition to individual instruction) and YPSP concerts will be presented followed by a question and answer period.
YPSP group classes are offered during the fall and spring semesters. There are no YPSP group class offerings during the summer, with the exception of introductory classes.
Note: All YPSP Group Classes begin the first week of classes each semester. All students in YPSP Group Classes are also required to take individual instruction at the Preparatory. An additional $10 non-refundable activities fee per year will automatically be charged with registration.
Co-Directors
Ahreum Kim
Co-Director of Young People’s String Program, Upper Strings
Violinist Dr. Ahreum Kim is a dedicated artist-teacher in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. She received her bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees in violin performance at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University where she was the graduate assistant to Herbert Greenberg.
Alicia Ward
Co-Director of Young People’s String Program, Lower Strings
Alicia Ward made her orchestral debut as a featured soloist at the age of twelve, and has since performed throughout the United States and abroad as chamber musician, recitalist and soloist.