FASA string students will be working closely with the members of the Annie Moses Band, as well as teachers from the highest levels of conservatory from around the US. Students will enjoy a diverse array of styles from both the violin and the fiddle world. Technical training will be based upon the prowess of the Delay/Galamian classical technique taught at all major conservatories. Violin students will be led by Annie Wolaver, who will be working with small groups as well as overseeing the entire string section. Alex Wolaver will add his aggressive and athletic teaching style to the mix, working with both violists and violinists. Cellists will enjoy a small group atmosphere under the tutelage of Benjamin Wolaver.

Violin Professors: Click the names below for a complete bio.

Annie Wolaver: String director, private lessons, and technique.
Dana Meyer: Private lessons.
Brian Lewis: Private lessons and master classes.
Stephen Clapp: Masterclasses.
Masao Kawasaki: Masterclasses and private lessons for violin and viola
Crystal Plohman: Fiddle lessons, bluegrass band, and fiddle ensemble.

Viola Professors: Click the names below for a complete bio.

Alex Wolaver: Viola director, private lessons, and technique.

Cello Professors: Click the names below for a complete bio.

Benjamin Wolaver: Cello director, private lessons, and technique.

Are you a singing string player?

In addition to great string music, the 2010 string track performances will feature singing opportunities as well. If you are interested in singing as well as playing be sure and list ‘voice’ in the secondary instrument section of your registration.

Required Study:

All string students will participate in the following.

For the details of all the required string courses as well as additional elective courses read the descriptions below.

Private/Small Group Lessons:

Every student will participate in 2 lessons throughout their two weeks at FASA. Each lesson will be an hour in length and will include 1- 3 students, depending on age and skill. Parents are encouraged to attend and record or video tape lessons for future review. Additional private lessons may be purchased at $50 per hour.

Orchestra and String Orchestra:

Throughout FASA all string players will participate in both orchestra and string orchestra. Orchestra classes will include brass and woodwinds, while string orchestra will feature strings solely. Repertoire will feature a variety of styles including: classical, bluegrass, Celtic, and jazz. Classes will meet daily.

Technique Class:

Week one: String students will participate in a daily, one hour technique class, designed to suit their individual skill level. Skills studied will include: basics of position, vibrato, scales, arpeggios, double stops, left hand pizzicato, bow strokes and left hand technique.

Week two: Students will implement their new technical expertise as the tracks assemble to prepare for the final performance.

Applied Theory and Improvisation: beginning, intermediate

Week one: Students will participate in a daily 2 hour course that combines both theory and improvisation. The goal of this class is to, not only teach music theory, but give students the means to apply it in performance through improvisation. To improvise is to spontaneously create and perform without previous preparation. Because the current musical era offers such wide variety of styles to young performers, the benefits of improvisational skills are great. The improvisational portions of the course will teach the basics of how to improvise in a variety of styles and rhythms, while theory portions of the course will study the basics of reading chord/rhythm charts, note reading, musical keys, and jazz theory.

Students will be grouped into classes based on their level of knowledge and skill.

Week two: Students of all tracks will assemble to prepare for the final performance.

Elective Courses of Study:

The following classes are available for an additional fee.

Bluegrass Band:

Traditional bluegrass instruments, fiddle, guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo (banjo is only a secondary instrument), and voice are eligible to participate. Each group will have a private coach, and will learn basic soloing/group skills. This elective will be offered daily for one hour during week one only. $75 additional fee.

Fiddle Ensemble:

Everyone loves to fiddle! This fun class teaches the basics of bluegrass and Celtic fiddling and will open the door to string students who are interested in expanding their palette of styles. This class is particularly suited for beginning fiddlers. This elective will be offered daily for one hour during week one only. $75 additional fee.

Mandolin Ensemble:

Come jam with the Mandolin! This class is great for intermediate and even beginning mandolin players, and covers everything from proper technique to chording to great melodic playing. $75 additional fee.

Songwriting:

Are you interested in writing your own music and lyrics? Here’s your chance to get started. Songwriting classes will guide students who are just beginning, while developing experienced writers who are already hooked, blending the study of both lyric writing and musical composition. This elective will be offered daily for one hour during week one only. $75 additional fee.

Composition and Arranging:

Taught by Bill Wolaver, master arranger and composer, the composition and arranging class is designed for students interested in composing and arranging. It will focus on techniques for melodic and harmonic development, as well as orchstration. This elective will be offered daily for one hour during week one only. $75 additional fee.