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 Recitals
String Department Recitals are a celebratory performance opportunity each semester. All events are FREE. Pre-registration is required for all events.
- Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2-5 pm
- Saturday, June 13, 2026, 2-5 pm
String Festival
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Hingham Campus
The String Festival is an opportunity for students to perform and receive comments from professional musicians beyond SSC. This year's adjudicators will be members of Rasa Quartet. Each student will receive a prize earned by their personal total score. The three students with the highest total score in each division will have the opportunity to work with members of Rasa quartet in a live masterclass! The afternoon will close with a performance by Rasa Quartet.
Practice Challenge
Students earn prizes based on the number of practice days within a 30-day window. New this year, there will be an extra prize for students who go beyond the 30-day in the spring semester!
- Fall Practice Challenge: October - November 2025
- Spring Practice Challenge: February - May 2026
Printed copies of the Practice Challenge Log and Rules are available at the front desk of both campuses.
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: