V2V Participants at our BSO Academy Residency, Apr 2023
In April, we had a very successful residency with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Academy at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Participants came to Baltimore from as far away as Arizona to have an immersive viola experience. Not all participants were new to the viola. A couple participants had switched from violin years ago, but wanted the opportunity to learn more about the instrument.
Some of the topics included how to get a characteristic viola tone, alto clef reading, benefits of playing both violin and viola, differences in how to play viola versus violin, and viola repertoire choices for auditions and performance. (Hello, scholarship potential!)
Participants signed up for optional lessons using instruments provided by our sponsor, Shar Music.
Upcoming workshops include a weeklong residency at Luzerne Music Center as well as a mini-workshop at Tanglewood Institute (BUTI).
Some of the topics included how to get a characteristic viola tone, alto clef reading, benefits of playing both violin and viola, differences in how to play viola versus violin, and viola repertoire choices for auditions and performance. (Hello, scholarship potential!)
Participants signed up for optional lessons using instruments provided by our sponsor, Shar Music.
Upcoming workshops include a weeklong residency at Luzerne Music Center as well as a mini-workshop at Tanglewood Institute (BUTI).
Karin Brown, BSO Asst Principal Viola and V2V Instructor, gives a private lesson on stage at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Here is a testimonial from one of our BSO Academy participants:
As a professional violinist who has deep admiration for the viola, I jumped on the opportunity and applied. It was a magical experience! The esteemed faculty helped me realize that I am also capable working towards professional opportunities on the viola! Most importantly the workshop equipped me with deeper knowledge of the instrument: I can confidently approach the viola, whether it’s teaching or performing, not with a mindset of a violinist. I highly recommend this workshop! - Ramon “Chino” Soberano, D.M.A.
As a professional violinist who has deep admiration for the viola, I jumped on the opportunity and applied. It was a magical experience! The esteemed faculty helped me realize that I am also capable working towards professional opportunities on the viola! Most importantly the workshop equipped me with deeper knowledge of the instrument: I can confidently approach the viola, whether it’s teaching or performing, not with a mindset of a violinist. I highly recommend this workshop! - Ramon “Chino” Soberano, D.M.A.