Strings

Core Experiences for String Primary Students

  • Festival Orchestra

    String students play in the Festival Orchestra, which plays a wide range of advanced symphonic repertoire. Recent concerts have included works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Farrenc, Bonds, Sibelius, Elgar, Coleridge-Taylor, Stravinsky, and Price. Watch the 2024 Festival Orchestra.

  • Private Lessons

    Two half-hour lessons per week with a collegiate or conservatory-level faculty member.

  • Chamber Music

    You’ll be placed in a small ensemble with other students at your musical level, and coached by a faculty member. Chamber music coachings occur every-other day.

  • Studio Classes

    Join other students on your instrument in a weekly studio class led by faculty. (Violin students meet with violin faculty; string bass with string bass faculty, etc.) You’ll learn through masterclass seminars, and develop practice and performance techniques together.

  • Recital Performances

    You’ll have the opportunity to play a solo and perform with your chamber ensemble at the end of LSM in a culminating recital.

Meet the String Faculty

Optional String Experiences

  • Concerto Audition

    One student each summer is selected to perform a concerto solo with the Festival Orchestra. Learn more here.

  • Worship Music

    Play in an ensemble or as a soloist to help lead liturgies, hymnody, or other music in worship services.

String FAQ

Can I study or play other instruments in addition my string instrument?

Yes. In addition to your primary instrument, you can take opportunities to play or study other instruments through private lessons (one secondary lesson per week), or other large ensembles or electives (singing in choir; playing a different instrument in band). This is common – many LSM students participate in multiple ensembles or study multiple instruments!

Can I borrow an instrument?

Yes. Our host university has (limited) instruments available to borrow as needed, and this can be arranged with LSM Admissions. (This is especially common for double bass players so that they do not have to travel with a large instrument!)