Berkshire Strings Late-Winter Session

The next five-week Session begins on February 12th

NO CLASSES THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 18TH - BACK AT IT FEBRUARY 26TH

Registration required for this session.

Mondays: 6:00pm NEW: Advancing Beginners By-Ear Class Review Using tunes we’ve learned in past years, we will continue to work by ear and attempt to incorporate these tunes into our familiar repertoire. Three pre-announced tunes a week for a 45 minute class. Time for discussion, technique elements and bowing ideas. Emphasis on becoming fluent without music. Available on Zoom.

Mondays: 6:45pm NEW: Technique and Musicality Some of the more difficult tunes we’ve learned are that way because of their key, finger patterns or bowing needs. Each week we will get down and dirty with one tune, developing practice strategies, encouraging bowing styles and growing in expression, style and musicality. Use of music or code is encouraged to document notes to yourself, new bowing choices, dynamics, etc. Available on Zoom.

Mondays: 7:30pm Repertoire Jam Finish the Monday night classes with a genre oriented jam. Winter Session (Jan. 8 - Feb. 5) will feature Quebecois tunes. Available on Zoom.

Tuesdays: 11:30am Music Readers Dream Do you read music at an intermediate level and wish to play everything and anything from Baroque to Beetles in trio and quartet arrangements? Arrangements for violin, viola and cello. Could include flutes/recorders and mandolins. This is not a drop-in class, please clear your schedule and become an ensemble member; 10 week commitment. January 8 - March 12 NO CLASS on Feb.20

Tuesdays: 6:30pm (1 hr.) BEGINNERS CLASS 2.0 In Beginners 1.0 you learned how to play the violin, were exposed to the fundamentals of written music and now you can play a few simple melodies. In Beginners 2.0, we will continue to develop healthy posture, strengthen listening and trust in yourself, and learn strategies for constructive practice at home. By expanding our repertoire we will work with new bowing rhythms, hear the history and culture of tunes from around the world and build our technique; 10 week commitment. January 30 - April 9 NO CLASS on Feb. 20

Wednesdays: 1:45pm Group Practice Meet weekly to play tunes together at a relaxed, practice pace. A rotating practice list will be posted for each week. Deep review available and techniques strategies offered.

Fridays: 12:30pm Advanced By Ear (NEW TIME) Learn new tunes at a pace good for experienced learners. Get a few days lead time to listen to the new tune then get the bones, bowing and style elements in class. Also offered on Zoom live and Zoom recording.

Jams, Sessions, Playing for ContraDancing

Saturdays, 1st and 3rd: 10:00am Slow Jam CLICK HERE for info and RSVP.

1st Saturdays: 11:30am Moderate Jam CLICK HERE for info and RSVP.

3rd Saturdays: 11:30am Fast Jam CLICK HERE for info and RSVP.

2nd Sundays: 2pm - 5pm Callers’ Club Dance in Housatonic, invites participants in the Contra Musicians’ Collaborative. CLICK HERE for dedicated Contra Dance and Contra Musicians’ information page.

4th Sundays: 1pm - 4pm MANY Musicians’ Session Location varies. No RSVP necessary. CLICK HERE for updated info.

Fee Information

Berkshire Strings strives to offer quality instruction and personal support at an affordable cost to all. No student or potential student should consider the fees an obstacle to pursuing instrumental study. We will find a way to include you if that is your passion.

Payments are due at the beginning of a new session.

Payments can be made with cash or check or online. To pay online, use the Berkshire Strings PayPal or Venmo accounts. We also take BerkShares now!

In the event class cannot be held in person (illness, weather, etc.) class is offered on Zoom.

ALL CLASSES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION OR CHANGE

Are you new to the Fiddling Femmes community? Please call Erika for an interview, to ask questions or to find out more about the Fiddling Femmes group lessons for women.

413-528-5739 or email erika@berkshirestrings.com

Discounts for multiple classes.

See Registration for In-Person or Zoom options

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