What is Sponoco?

Sponoco is an acronym for one of our favorite ways of teaching positions and fingerboard geography.

Shifting, Position, Note names, Color, Ondricek

“Color” refers to the finger pattern, and Ondricek was a violinist who wrote a series of finger exercises which help string players develop ease and facility as they move around the fingerboard.

How can online music lessons be effective?

We consider in-person lessons and ensembles to be the foundation of a student’s musical life. Young string players need one-on-one lessons with a caring and dedicated teacher to establish strong playing and practicing habits. Making music with others is also important, and the benefits of ensemble playing reach far beyond the realm of music.

Our online seminars can inspire the students and teach them new skills, and we know a lot of great tricks for online group teaching. Students will come out of the seminars as stronger players, more engaged and inspired, with new tools for their practicing. We expect them to apply all that wonderful progress to their in-person work with teachers and peers.

How does the scheduling work?

We know that signing up for different classes for different weeks can seem complicated. Here’s how it works: our Practice Camp is currently scheduled for the last three weeks of June and each week has different class options: a 9am class* (Scales), a 10am class (Mastering the Fingerboard), an 11am class (Repertoire Practice Techniques or Ear Training & Theory), and 1pm class (Scales).

Students apply for and are admitted to each class separately. A student may want to participate in a class for more than one week at a time. This is great! The more practice, the better. Students are expected to attend all five sessions each week for class they are admitted to. Please see our sample schedules at the bottom of this page for further clarification; you may also contact us if you have questions.

*All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

What equipment do I need?

Aside from bow, instrument, and rosin, you need a good internet connection and any device that can connect through the online communication platform “Zoom.”

Pegs and fine tuners must be in good working order.

How many students in one class?

There will be up to eight students per class.

What is required for parents?

Once your child is set up - instrument out, technology up and ready - you may want to stay in earshot for the first day. However, your presence should be discreet! Keep in mind that this is a chance for students to fully immerse themselves, distraction-free, in what they’re doing with their colleagues and teachers.

Will my child be expected to practice outside of the time that she is in practice camp?  

We won’t assign any practicing homework for the students. However, please check in with your child’s teacher to make sure the expectations are aligned with what’s happening in private lessons. Students who are doing one hour of scales with us might want to set aside time for their lesson repertoire and etudes. Students who are doing the full three hours should not plan to add in additional practice time, and the teachers will likely be very pleased with their progress! In any case, please make sure to discuss this with your child’s individual teacher. Please contact us if you would like a copy of the curriculum PDF that you can share with the teacher.

Why no classes for bass students?

Bass is an amazing instrument! The plan is to add bass classes to our curriculum in the summer of 2021.

Why no 4-5 year olds?

We love working in person with young string players and believe that four and five are great ages to start playing. However, we have not yet developed an online curriculum that we think truly addresses their needs. If your young child has been taking private lessons for at least a year and is used to doing some work via screen, please write to us to check in about joining one of the classes.

Will there be additional classes available in the future?

Yes! Developing curriculum and lesson plans are among our favorite things to do. A short list for the next classes that we’re considering: Youth Orchestra Audition Prep; Bach Double Intensive (for violinists); Using Recordings to Improve your Practicing; Bow Strokes; Learn to Subdivide and Become a Sight-reading Whiz and possibly a Twinkler class for very young players.