Christine Hedden, String Department Chair
String Department - Core Philosophy
Welcome to the String Department of South Shore Conservatory! We are a community of students and teachers committed to the highest levels of excellence in performing arts education.
At SSC, your may choose to study violin, viola, cello, double bass or guitar through traditional or Suzuki methods of learning and harp through traditional lessons. Our world-class, diverse faculty offer their expertise in many specialty areas including Irish traditional fiddle, Baroque music, pop, rock and more.
Studying a string instrument at SSC opens many doors beyond private instruction. We offer classes in musicianship, theory, specialty genres such as fiddle and Suzuki group classes, as well as multiple ensemble opportunities including chamber ensembles tailored for the level and interests of the student. Middle and high school students may audition for South Shore Conservatory Youth Orchestra (SSCYO). There are abounding opportunities for students to perform: weekly performance workshops, monthly school-wide student recitals, private studio recitals, the Accelerando Masterclass Series for advanced students, open mic nights, and more.
Our faculty are some of the Boston-metro area’s finest musicians, holding advanced degrees from world-renowned conservatories and universities, with years of teaching experience. Beyond SSC, you’ll find our faculty performing solo and with major ensembles both locally and internationally. The Conservatory Concert Series, as well as other performance series, showcase our amazing faculty for families, students and community members of the south shore.
View String Department Faculty.
String Department Events
- String Department Recitals (see below)
- String Competition
- Concerto Competition
- Performathon
String Department Recitals
String Department Recitals are a celebratory performance opportunity each semester. All events are FREE. Pre-registration is required for all events.
- December 7, 2024, 2-5 pm (Hingham Campus) / December 7 Recital Registration Link
- June 7, 2025, 2-5 pm (Hingham Campus)
String Department Competition
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 12-5 pm
Hingham Campus
The String Competition inspires students to strive for the highest standards of technique in their performance. The judges, a panel of professional musicians, provide students with written feedback to nurture the student's continued growth and development. All students perform for prizes of Gold, Silver, and Bronze awarded based on their total score.
Private Lessons
Most students may begin traditional lessons on violin, viola, cello, guitar and bass when they are four or five. Suzuki instruction on violin, viola, cello, bass and guitar may begin for children at age four. Private lessons are 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes in length. Group instruction (for three or more students) is 60 minutes in length.
String Department Class and Program Offerings
SSC offers a variety of classes for all ages all year round: