Classes

This class, tailored for Mountain Sun School students, is open to continuing students who have taken Violin lessons and those new students who would like to try the violin for the first time. Students will be invited to play parts appropriate to their ability and comfort level. They will learn and practice musical techniques such as rhythm, pitch, and melody, while incorporating musical games, artistic activities and more. In this workshop style class, students will have the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions for class curriculum and musical repertoire

NEW CLASS!

 Open to ages 15+
In this fiddle class, we will play a wide variety of tunes from around the world, including selections from old time and bluegrass, Celtic, Romanian, Russian and Ukrainian, klezmer, and Middle Eastern genres. We will explore scales, modes, and rhythmic structures unique to these world traditions. 

This class is for people of any age having never played the cello and wondering if it's for them. Students will bring their own cello and learn cello basics playing alongside others like them. Focus will be on discovering how to hold the cello and bow and use fingers to play basic notes in the first position. Students will be monitored closely to ensure that proper playing techniques are used. The class will learn simple tunes first by rote and then by reading notes. Once notes are learned, there will be an opportunity to play together with more advanced players where the basic notes for players of this class are combined with the more advanced melodies played by the members of the Cello II class.

This ensemble learns music for string orchestra (violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, and bass) that is intermediate in difficulty. Pieces of various styles will be rehearsed each time the group meets. Performances will be included as opportunities become available. Players of all ages possessing the following minimum skill requirements are invited to participate: 1) play phrases of music without stopping; 2) count and keep a steady rhythm while playing; and, 3) have at least a good playing knowledge with the first position — third position for violin/viola and fourth position for cello is encouraged.

If you have taken Fiddle Workshop 1 or already play a handful of fiddle tunes then this is the class for you. In this class students will learn more advanced fiddle tunes, techniques and styles. Focus will be on preparing tunes to play for jam sessions.

Bruce has a new percussion class! For the first time in Mountain School of Strings history, you can take a class that focuses on percussion and rhythms. If you are a string player and are looking to strengthen your rhythmic skills and knowledge, give this a try and embrace your inner groove. Maybe you do not play other instruments but have been wanting to try something new, percussion class will be perfect for you! 

Welcome to Chamber Music Playing! The goal of this class is to develop musicianship skills, music literacy skills, and ensemble performing abilities in a beginning chamber music setting. The music learned and performed is student-led and rehearsed with the guidance of the instructor. Learn to sit, play, perform, and BE a chamber player! 

In this ukulele workshop, participants will have the opportunity to practice strumming, finger picking, changing chords, and even singing while playing if you feel ready! We will focus on rhythm as well as melody. Students will have the opportunity to choose songs that we will play together as a group. You can expect to build your musical repertoire in this jam style class.

This class is for those already playing the cello who want the primary focus to be placed on learning new skills that will make it possible to play more advanced cello pieces. We will be using a method book that imparts these skills and has exercises and short pieces that incorporate them. Students in this class will see improvement in their overall playing techniques.

This class is a continuation of the class from the 2024 spring semester. Members of that class and others who have the skills learned in that class will bring their own cellos and play various melodies (popular, classical, and otherwise) suitable to the skill sets. Emphasis will be on playing duets and possibly trios where students will be divided into subgroups to play separate parts together. Some new skills will be learned in this class and used in the melodies and countermelodies that are played.

If you play a little bit of violin, but you want to try some fiddle tunes, this is the class for you. Starting with great old time tunes like Angeline the Baker and Old Joe Clark you can learn old time fiddle style in this fun class. The focus is on playing together and improving your skills.

Owen Grooms is a mandolin, guitar and clawhammer banjo player extraordinaire! He plays with many bands in Western North Carolina including Pretty Little Goats. In addition Owen is the director of the Brevard chapter of Junior Appalachian Musicians. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a weekly slow jam with Owen where he will guide participants in the art of jamming, learn new tunes and take old time tunes at a slower pace. If you love to jam, but need some pointers or would like the music at a little slower pace this is the class for you. 

 Introducing the Mountain School of Strings Junior Ensemble. Students will learn skills to prepare them for a mature chamber ensemble. This class is best suited to students grades 3 - 12. Students meet for one hour each week and explore playing together as a group. They work on important skills like reading music, hand position, tone, intonation, chamber music cues, rhythm and ear training. Students have the opportunity to play their violin, viola or cello with other instruments under the expert guidance of Kaleena Dotson. Students will have the opportunity to play in two yearly recitals, school special events and more!

  Wednesdays 3-4pm

    Tuition Free

  Tuesdays 3-4pm 

  Tuition Free 

  Mondays 3-4pm 

  Tuition Free

  Thursdays 3:30-4:30

  Tuition: $225 per semester