Programs

Connecting Communities Through Music Education & Performance

We are happy to announce our programs opening to students everywhere! The current offerings include private lessons (online or in-person) and group lessons.

Summer Camp 2021

Mountain School of Strings presents String Fest Music Camp.

Grab your violins, violas, cellos, guitars and ukuleles and get ready for a week of ensembles, games and jamming! Our teachers are ready for any style and any level. We have instruments for you to play and our MtnSOS String Ensemble directed by Norm Malenke will be in residence all week! Enjoy playing music with your friends and at the end you can play on stage at 185 King Street or just come and listen to some tunes.

StringFest Music Camp is taking place at St Philip's Episcopal Church, 256 E Main St, Brevard from 9 am to noon, June 14th–18th. Camp is available for students aged eight to 18 for $125 per student. Some scholarships are available.

The Students Showcase will presented on June 19th at 185 King St from 3:30–5:30 pm.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are offered online or in-person. Meeting times are mutually scheduled between the teacher and students beginning January 11th and are on-going. You can begin at anytime. Payment is made by purchasing Private Lesson Packs, available in a six- or 12-lesson packs. Be sure to indicate your instrument and teacher when registering.

Online 30-minute private lessons are available for students of all ages and playing levels.

  • Lesson Packs
  • 6-Pack   $190
  • 12-Pack   $370

  • Instruments
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Guitar
  • Instruments
  • Ukulele
  • Mandolin
  • Banjo
  • Piano

Group Lessons

Group classes are offered online over 13 weeks beginning January 11th. Meeting days and times are specified in the descriptions below. Tuition is $195.

Violin 1 (Beginners)

Violin 1 is designed especially for the very beginning student. Using our new Mountain School of Strings curriculum, students will learn violin technique, songs, note reading, rhythm, singing and more. These online classes will be scheduled between the teacher and students and include a 15-minunte private lesson and one group lesson per month. We will conclude the semester with a Zoom recital.
Teachers: Madelyn Ilana, Bob Culver and Norm Malenke

Violin 2

Violin 2 is available for continuing students who have had two years of experience.
Teacher: Madelyn Ilana

Guitar 1 (Beginners)

Guitar 1 is for very beginning guitarists. In this class students will learn notes and chords. Students will play songs, tunes and learn to improvise. Many styles of guitar will be covered and students will learn to read both tablature and staff notation. Our online classes will be scheduled between the teacher and students and include a 15-minute private lesson and one group lesson per month. We will conclude the semester with a Zoom recital.
Teachers: Bob Culver, Josh Carter and Owen Grooms

Adult Fiddle with Bob Culver

Join Fiddling Bob each week for an hour of fun fiddle tunes. Learn classic fiddle tunes from Old Time, Irish and Bluegrass traditions. Meet friends that want to jam. A little violin experience is needed, but not a whole lot!
Thursdays 5–6 pm EST

Music Exploration Classes

Music Exploration Classes are designed to enlighten and entertain students as well as build new skills. Classes are taught by our faculty and rotate topics each term. Some exploration classes do not require instruments and some are for more advanced players. Check out our Spring 2021 special classes below. Special classes run for 10 weeks and tuition is $175.

Song writing with Madelyn Ilana

Get inspired, grow, and reflect on your songwriting process. Suitable for musicians with at least a year of experience playing guitar, ukulele, piano, or another instrument to accompany your songwriting.
Prerequistes: Ages 10 and up, minimum of one year of experience playing your accompanying instrument.
Monday evenings 7–8 pm EST on Zoom starting March 1, 2021

A Study in How Culture Influences Music with Norm Malenke

Examine the cultural influence on composers and songs within the classical and folk music genres. Study how folk music has become entrenched within classical music. Listen, examine, and discuss the backgrounds and works of selected composers and songwriters.
Prerequisites: This is a great class for music fans of all ages. No musical experience necessary.
Monday evenings 7–8 pm EST on Zoom starting March 1, 2021

Slow Jam with Bob Culver and Owen Grooms

Public jams sessions can be intimidating. Unfamiliar songs played at breakneck speed can be the order of the day at some jams. Join Bob Culver and Owen Grooms as they lead a jam session of Mountain music at a friendly pace. Fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, cello and mandolin are all welcome. Bob and Owen will introduce the most popular jam numbers and help you prepare for joining the barn burner jams.
Prerequisites: This class is open to teens and adults with basic skills on their instruments. For example guitarists should feel comfortable playing three chord songs in G and D and violin players should know a few songs like Twinkle Twinkle, Boil 'em Cabbage and Lightly Row.
Thursday evenings 5–6 pm EST at Straus Auditorium on the Brevard Music Center Campus starting March 4, 2021 (socially distanced class)

Instrument Rental

For your violin classes and lessons you will need a suitable instrument that stays in tune, has all four strings, is the correct size and set up so it is playable for the student. Mountain School of Strings has violins to rent for $50 per semester. If we don’t have an instrument for your student, we recommend renting from J. R. Judd Violins.