I just wanted to send a note of appreciation for this workshop. My son is a dedicated violinist. Throughout preteen and early teen years I attempted to get him to diversify to the viola, but he resisted. Then during the Covid lockdown, I received your email for the online workshop with a free loaner from Shar. He had no excuses, and it was a great way to interact with outsiders when we couldn't leave the house.
Fast forward to present and he's a graduating senior who's still in love with his violin but regularly performs on the viola because he's a "performer" and it's provided additional opportunities. He won his youth symphony's concerto competition on Stamitz. He'll also be performing Hoffmeister with his group at the ASTA/SAA national conference. And the repertoire list goes on. Many thanks for introducing and challenging him to this beautiful instrument!
C. will be a violin performance major but has already arranged to continue viola study in small group ensembles. He loves to perform and recognizes that having both instruments doubles his opportunities.
Thanks again for the lasting effects of your workshops. - Sarah W.
Fast forward to present and he's a graduating senior who's still in love with his violin but regularly performs on the viola because he's a "performer" and it's provided additional opportunities. He won his youth symphony's concerto competition on Stamitz. He'll also be performing Hoffmeister with his group at the ASTA/SAA national conference. And the repertoire list goes on. Many thanks for introducing and challenging him to this beautiful instrument!
C. will be a violin performance major but has already arranged to continue viola study in small group ensembles. He loves to perform and recognizes that having both instruments doubles his opportunities.
Thanks again for the lasting effects of your workshops. - Sarah W.
V2V Instructor Karin Brown and Chino at the BSO Academy V2V workshop
I was thankful that one day I checked one of Shar’s promotional emails and saw the workshop’s information. 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. Plus I got to see the world-class Baltimore Symphony perform for the first time in a concert and I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend this workshop! - Ramon “Chino” Soberano, D.M.A.
I am an experienced violist who "converted" from violin years ago, but I still gained a great deal from participating in the V2V workshop. The workshop both reinforced and enhanced my understanding of viola-specific technique and repertoire, and it was led by faculty who combined top-flight expertise and skill with an encouraging and friendly approach to all topics. The program is appropriate for anyone wishing to learn more about playing the viola, as was reflected by the attendees, who represented all levels of playing skills. - John W.
What an amazing weekend! Renate, Nana, and Karin were wonderful and inspiring teachers. I will never look at the viola the same way again. I am so inspired to pick up the viola and learn more and I will be able to teach my viola students better. My only complaint is the workshop wasn’t long enough. I had so much fun and I wanted it to keep going! I want to do it again next year! - Anonymous Survey Respondent
V2V Instructor Nana Vaughn at Boston University Tanglewood Institute, running into a former student!