Berkshire Strings Classes

October 19 - December 19, 2026

Monday 11:00am - 12:30pm

Tone and Technique

Class will begin with stretching, centering and listening projects.

Rhythm work with and without instrument, harmonizing exercises, intonation building, fine tune our tone and expression. Easy instructional pace.

Familiar repertoire from the Beginner and Novice lists.

Tuesday 11:00am - 12:30pm

String Ensemble for Music Readers

Class will begin with stretching, centering and listening projects.

Rhythm work with and without instrument, site reading drills and etudes, matching your pitch to your neighbor, 3rd Position development, dynamics and expression. Rigorous instructional pace and practice expectations.

Repertoire from classical to corny; new and review.

Wednesday 11:00am - 12:30pm

Speed and Style

Class will begin with stretching, centering and listening projects.

Rhythm work with and without instrument, reading bow markings, practice hacks for increasing speed, 

Add style with helpful notations on your music for bowings and dynamics. Moderate instructional pace and practice expectations.

Familiar and newer repertoire from the Novice/Intermediate lists.

Thursday 11:00am - 12:30pm

Polish, pizazz and performance

Class will begin with stretching, centering and listening projects for performance inspiration.

Rhythm work with and without instrument, increasing speed, working the bow to articulate rhythms and tempos, building medleys and arrangements for various situations (contradance, performance, sessions, etc.). Tricks and Treats abound with our spooky repertoire titles. Advanced instructional pace and practice expectations.

Familiar repertoire from the Intermediate and Advanced lists with new repertoire being added.

String Class Levels

BEGINNER: in your 1st and 2nd year

NOVICE: beyond 2nd year, comfortable learning and playing repertoire at a slow pace; tunes are in keys of G, D, A, Em, Bm; simple bowing and rhythm patterns

INTERMEDIATE: comfortable learning and playing repertoire at a moderate pace; additional keys of C, Am, F, Dm, Bb, Gm; more complex bowing and rhythm patterns

ADVANCED: comfortable learning and playing repertoire at a faster pace; all keys; stylized bowing; complex and syncopated rhythms; left hand 3rd position; multiple tune parts