String Department
String Department Chair Sponsored by Alice Jones
String Department - Core Philosophy
Welcome to the string department at South Shore Conservatory! By choosing to study the violin, viola, cello or double bass at either our Duxbury or Hingham locations you and your child are joining a community of teachers, parents and students committed to the highest ideals in performing arts education. In addition to studying their instrument of choice, our students also have the opportunity to study music in all of its varied forms, from classes in basic musicianship and music theory to ensembles ranging in size from a small chamber ensemble all the way up to a full symphony orchestra as part of the brand new BaYS youth symphony program. We offer numerous chances to hear our world class faculty perform on both campuses, and our students perform in recitals throughout the year.
Our string teachers are among the best and most experienced in the Boston Metro area, holding advanced degrees from some of the nation’s finest conservatories and universities, performing with many of the major ensembles in the region, and bringing years of experience and a commitment to teaching at the highest levels. We offer traditional and Suzuki teaching methods and our teachers are experienced in working with every type of student, from young children and adult beginners to advanced high school students and college undergraduates, in both individual and group settings.
String Department Chair - Philip Rush
Philip Rush, violin and viola, born and raised in Riverside, California, is a musician with a wide range of interests and experience. Although classically trained and at home in traditional recital, chamber music and symphonic settings, he has also performed as an electric violist in rock bands, in folk ensembles, and in jazz ensembles. His experience with contemporary music and baroque performance on period instruments has led to an interest in improvisation in traditional genres as well. As a teacher Philip strives to help his students achieve a sound, tension-free technique combined with the mental tools and intellectual curiosity to help achieve their own individual musical goals, whatever they may be.
Philip holds a BA, cum laude, from the University of California at Riverside, a MFA in viola performance from the California Institute of the Arts, and a DM in viola performance from the Florida State University. In addition to teaching at South Shore Conservatory, Philip maintains a private studio at his home in Jamaica Plain and is an active freelance musician, performing regularly with the Chamber Orchestra of Boston, Intermezzo Opera Boston, The Rhode Island Philharmonic, The Handel and Haydn Society and the Cantata Singers. In his spare time he enjoys cooking and long walks with his wife Michelle, who is also a professional violist and teacher.
Instrument Instruction
Private Lessons
Most students may begin traditional lessons on violin, viola, cello and bass when they are four or five. Suzuki instruction on violin, viola, cello, bass and guitar may begin for children at age four. During each 16-week semester, each private lesson student receives an evaluation from the teacher to keep the student and the parent apprised of the student’s progress.
30 minutes - $672 per semester
45 minutes - $928 per semester
60 minutes - $1184 per semester
Semi-private:
30 minutes - $336 per semester
45 minutes - $464 per semester
60 minutes - $592 per semester
Group Instruction - three or more students:
60 minutes - $350 per semester
Private Lesson Options
During each 16-week semester, each private lesson student receives an evaluation from the teacher to keep the student and the parent apprised of the student’s progress.
Individual Lessons
30 minutes
45 minutes
60 minutes
Semi-private:
30 minutes
45 minutes
60 minutes
Twice the Fun
This semi-private and group instrumental lesson program allows beginning students to ease their way into lessons by learning with others at the same level. With students splitting the cost of the lesson, it’s a more affordable and fun way for beginners to start out lessons.
Group Instruction:
Three or more students
60 minutes
String Department Class Offerings
Chamber Music
Sponsored by Grafton Memorial Fund
Chamber opportunities are available in strings, percussion, woodwind, brass, voice and mixed instruments with or without voice. Playing in a small group setting, with each participant focusing on his/her individual part, can greatly improve a student’s playing, and is a helpful supplement for any student in a school band or orchestra program. Placement auditions are required to ensure that students are placed with others at the same level of expertise. Students must audition by September 26, 2008 to be included in the fall semester ensemble program. For a placement audition please call Donald Zook at 781-934-2731, ext. 16 to schedule an audition time. Ensembles meet weekly for one hour. All ensemble students participate in a chamber concert at the end of the semester. 12 weeks
$250
Intro to Strings for Adults
Cynthia Weller
Beg, borrow or rent a violin, viola or cello and enjoy a first time, no pressure opportunity to try your hand at playing a stringed instrument.
Duxbury, 8 weeks
$150
| Wednesday, 7 - 8 pm |
Adult String Ensemble
Cynthia Weller
Adult violin, viola, cello and double bass players, novice through intermediate, experience the joy of playing in a string ensemble. With a relaxed schedule of rehearsals tailored to fit an adult’s busy lifestyle, this user-friendly program is designed to strengthen musical skills and to provide enjoyable music making in an informal and supportive atmosphere.
Duxbury
$150
| Wednesday, 8 - 9 pm |
Bay Youth Symphony (BaYS)
Music Director Jim Vinci
Managing Director Candace Kniffen
Artistic Director Steven Karidoyanes
BaYS is an auditioned*, sequential youth orchestra program designed to create an opportunity for dedicated and talented young musicians, living in communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, to perform symphonic music at a high level in a well organized orchestra program. In partnership with The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, the program currently offers ensembles at three levels: a string ensemble for younger students, an intermediate level full symphonic orchestra, and an advanced full symphonic orchestra. Artistic Director Steven Karidoyanes acts as artistic advisor and meets with the orchestras three times per year. Students are coached by SSC faculty members and area music educators. All rehearsals take place at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center.
Duxbury Performing Arts Center: Wednesday evenings
Dolce Strings (string ensemble): Theresa Johnson, Conductor
Sinfonia (intermediate full orchestra): Nicholas Tatarka, Conductor
Symphony (advanced full orchestra): Jim Vinci, Conductor
*No audition is necessary for Dolce Strings. This performing ensemble is usually comprised of students in elementary school who have been studying their instrument for one or two years, and are ready for fundamental ensemble playing.
For more information or for an audition, please contact Managing Director Candace Kniffen at c.kniffen@sscmusic.org
| Dolce Strings: $300/year | Sinfonia: $350/year | Symphony: $425/year |
String Department Special Events
Concerto Competition
January 22, 2009
4-8 pm, Hingham Campus
All instrumental and voice students are invited to participate in the Conservatory’s annual Concerto Competition. First prize scholarships are awarded in each of three age divisions. All winners perform in the Concerto Competition Winners Recital on Saturday, January 24, 7:30 pm in Hingham's Large Ensemble Studio.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for private lessons for children whose families can document financial need. Application forms are available in the office and as a downloadable Word Document and must be filled out and returned prior to the first week of the semester. All applications will be considered by the Scholarship Committee, which meets before each semester to grant assistance. Recipients of scholarship aid must reapply each semester. The deadline for Fall 2008 financial aid applications is August 8, 2008. The deadline for Spring 2009 financial aid applications is January 9, 2009.
South Shore Conservatory admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.