Offerings
Private Lessons, Group Violin for Beginners, Suzuki Violin, Chamber Music, Orchestra, Performance Class, Formal Recitals, Achievement Program
What You Can Expect From Us
We will provide the highest quality instruction in violin, viola, cello and double bass. Your children will learn from the best teachers in the best learning environment - a university setting. We believe that music instruction should be available
to every child and to that end we accept every child who applies.
We will interview every new student for placement with the appropriate teacher. We believe that a good match between a student and a teacher is extremely important to a successful and fulfilling learning experience.
For very young beginners, age 3-5, we recommend Suzuki instruction. By age 6-7, we recommend that a student begin or continue using the traditional method.
What We Expect From You
In order for this program to be successful, we expect students and parents to be as committed to the work as our faculty. We expect students to practice daily and to complete all assignments given at the lesson. We expect students to take the appropriate musicianship classes and to demonstrate good progress. We suggest that parents attend all private lessons, especially with young children; and daily supervision of home practicing. Finally, we suggest that each student or parent keep a practice journal.
The minimum time your child should practice each day at home:
6-7 years/30 minutes
8-10 years/45 minutes
11-18 years/60 minutes
Evaluation
All students will be continuously evaluated during an academic year. Each student will be expected to participate in recitals and to play required material from memory with technical command and musicianship. If at some point a change of teacher is deemed necessary an appropriate recommendation will be made to students and parents. The jury examination will take place toward the end of the year. First year beginners or first year transfer students may be excused from juries.
Elementary Level Grades 1-4
Technique—Two octave scales in the key of choice, 3 or 4 notes on one bow (depending on edition used). Two octave arpeggios in the key of choice, 3 or 4 notes on one bow.
Repertoire—One Baroque or Classical piece, one piece from a different period.
Intermediate Level Grades 5-8
Technique—Three octave scales in the key of choice, 6 or 8 notes on one bow (depending on the edition used). Three octave arpeggios in the key of choice.
Repertoire—One Baroque or Classical piece utilizing at least up to 3rd position. One piece from another period utilizing at least up to 3rd position.
Advanced Level Grades 9-12
Technique—Three octave scales in the key of choice, 12 or 16 notes on one bow (depending on edition used). Three octave arpeggios in the key of choice.
Repertoire—One Baroque or Classical piece such as Bach Sonatas and Partitas. One piece from another period utilizing up to 5th position.
Group Violin for Beginners
In a small and relaxed classroom setting, the 5 to 7 year-old beginner will learn basic information: correct hand position, how to read notes on the staff and simple rhythmic patterns. At the end of the 2nd semester all students will perform in recital. Following this year the student will be placed with a teacher for private instruction. A parent must attend the lesson and support home practice.
The class will be taught by Peter Snitkovsky, Chair of the String Department and a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. As part of the program students will also take the appropriate Eurhythmics class.
Suzuki Violin
Please click here to visit our Suzuki Violin page
Chamber Music
Please click here to visit our Chamber Music page
Orchestra
Please click here to visit our Ensembles page
Performance Class
The weekly Performance Class is part of the core curriculum. The purpose of this class is to give students even more experience performing in public. We often hear “I played perfectly at home, but I don’t know what happened on the stage.” No matter how well the piece is prepared, the mind may play tricks during a performance. To avoid unfortunate mistakes and memory slips students must learn how to focus, direct their thinking process to artistic goals rather than the notes, and most importantly to project confidence. I always tell my students “Doubt and criticize every note when you practice, but be the greatest on stage.” You can’t recreate the performance environment at home or even at your lessons because of the lack of an audience. This is why this class is irreplaceable for every performing student.
Formal Recitals
In addition to the weekly Performance Class, 3 formal recitals and 4 dedicated Suzuki Recitals are held during the year.
Achievement Program
City Music Center is proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Carnegie Hall and Royal Conservatory Achievement Program. This program is optional for all CMC students.
Formal Recitals
In addition to the weekly Performance Class, 3 formal recitals and 4 dedicated Suzuki Recitals are held during the year.
Achievement Program
City Music Center is proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Carnegie Hall and Royal Conservatory Achievement Program. This program is optional for all CMC students.
Please visit their website to learn more about the program.
Faculty
Peter Snitkovsky, Chair, violin
Gregory Bouyanover, cello
Freya Samuels, cello
Julia Scott, harp
Aaron White, bass
Andrew Wickesberg, viola/violin
Rufina Yefimova, violin
Yulia Zhukoff, cello
