By Teri Einfeldt, extracted from SAA Website
At least two Alpert Studio students will be attending a summer Suzuki institute this summer. Here are some tips to assist your institute experiences.
Tips for the home teacher:
Explain to the student and parent that the purpose of a master class is not to learn new pieces.
Define and help student [...]

Kinderfiddle preparatory music and early violin program presented by Foothill Suzuki Strings
Can you imagine a violin program that meets the needs of a 3 year old and at the same time professional performing artists?
A revolutionary new program is being used across the country and will soon find its way across the globe. It was conceived [...]

Have you ever tried to play a cello outdoors in freezing weather? Playing a string instrument is challenging under any circumstance, but a quartet of America’s concert artists rose to the challenge. The performers braved the elements, actually playing their instruments, though they were playing along with their own prerecorded version of the piece. [...]

The irrepressible Mimi Zweig leads a master class at the String Academy of Wisconsin on the Campus of University of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee.
When accomplished 15 year old violinist Brian Zhang signed up to play for Mimi Zweig, he was probably thinking of Mozart, Bach or Barber. Little did he know he’d soon be taking a [...]

Master Teacher Darcy Drexler explains the finer points of violin vibrato to seven year old Academy student Margaret Knox.
Every summer, string teachers from across the country (myself included) make a pilgrimage to Milwaukee. They’re here to observe what is arguably one of the finest models of string education in the world. For teachers, it’s a [...]

Thinking about violin lessons for your child, age 5-11?
Click HERE to Register
Foothill Suzuki strings is pleased to offer a new group class: Violin in your Family: an introduction to Suzuki instruction. Presented by conservatory trained, professional performing musicians, this 8 week class is designed to let your family experience the world of Suzuki instruction [...]

Fifty-six years ago, a handsome young Edwardo made the long journey to Mexico City with his new bride. It was their honeymoon, and though he had little money in those early days, he wanted to take her to the most elegant restaurant in town. And so he did, and he thus marked the beginning of [...]

Dear FSS Students and Families:
Just a quick last minute reminder that our Spring final concert is almost upon us! Here’s the schedule for the remainder of the term,
April 10 no classes, (Spring Break)
April 17 regular class
April 24 regular class including dress rehearsal
Saturday April 26, 4:00 PM final concert, and reception
Note: performers: please arrive between 3:30 [...]

Nathan Milstein – Perpetuum Mobile by Novacek.

One can find just about anything on YouTube. This clip from 1957 fits into the “sublime” category. Violinist Nathan Milstein gives us an absolutely sparkling rendition of Novack’s Perpetual Motion, a piece I’ve recently discovered. It’s a wonderful technical study, worthy of the concert stage.
The challenge in music like [...]

Downtown Albuquerque, NM
I’d be remiss if I let too much time pass without thanking my FSS students for allowing me the time to visit the recent American String Teachers Association conference in Albuquerque. I made the trip along with my dear friend and orchestra colleague, cellist Kyle Champion. Also making the trip were something like [...]