STRING PROGRAM
Diller-Quaile offers a comprehensive program of string study for the early beginner through the advanced high school student. Students may begin violin, viola and cello at age four and older and double bass at age seven and older. The inclusive philosophies of Shinichi Suzuki and Angela Diller, as well as traditional string pedagogies, inform an approach that assures teaching tailored to the needs of the individual student, with a strong emphasis on building confident solo performing, fluent music reading, and skillful ensemble participation.
The typical program for a young student includes a half-hour lesson with the parent in attendance, a group playing class, and a musicianship class. Parents of first year students attend a weekly Parents Class as well. Older students take lessons of forty-five minutes to an hour in length, and, as they advance, orchestra, chamber music, and repertoire classes are added to their program. Advanced high school seniors have the opportunity to perform a full-length solo recital, drawing on repertoire from the standard literature.
Group Playing Classes
Students play their shared repertoire in a motivating social environment that reinforces work done in lessons; they also hear pieces soon to be studied. Additionally, opportunities to play solos in class help students gain confidence as performers. Festival Classes throughout the year bring students of all levels and ages together. Group playing classes are organized according to instrument and level.
| Violin |
| Beginners | Monday | 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. |
| Early Book I | Monday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Book I | Monday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Books I-II | Monday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Book III | Monday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Books IV-V | Monday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Books I-II | Saturday | 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. |
| Books III-IV | Saturday | 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. |
|
| Cello |
| Beginners | Tuesday | 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. |
| Book I | Tuesday | 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
| Books I-II | Tuesday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Books III | Tuesday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Books IV-V | Tuesday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
Violin Repertoire Class
Teenagers studying intermediate to advanced repertoire participate in this weekly class, which focuses on the interpretation and performance of works from the standard repertoire. In class, students are coached on solo works and learn from observing and participating in the work of their fellow students.
Parents Classes
Parents of first year string students are required to enroll in their own weekly group class, where string faculty will guide them through the fundamentals of first-year string study. By gaining skill and confidence on the instrument, parents are better able to guide their child's home practice.
| Violin | Monday | 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. |
| Cello | Tuesday | 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. |
String Ensemble
String Ensemble is a first orchestra experience for intermediate string students enrolled in a full program. The ensemble develops strong reading skills. Students learn to follow a conductor and become acquainted with music of various periods and styles.
The Diller-Quaile Orchestra
Advanced teenage string and wind players enrolled in a full program may join The Diller-Quaile Orchestra. Repertoire is drawn from the standard literature and is also specially arranged for the group. Playing is on a highly polished level, with emphasis on nuance, phrasing, and sophisticated ensemble listening. String and wind coaches play along with the students, frequently offering advice and practical suggestions on all aspects of orchestral playing. Sight-reading skills and respectful ensemble collaboration are emphasized.
Back
