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.

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 classes 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 sessins 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.

Aside from bow, instrument, and rosin, you need a good internet connection and any device that can connect to Zoom.

Pegs and fine tuners must be in good working order. Reach out to us if you have any concerns!

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.

Private teachers and ensemble conductors often spend a lot of time helping students fill gaps that could easily be addressed in group classes. We always start with a central question – what do we wish students could come into private lessons and rehearsals already knowing how to do? What would allow them to focus on the musical aspects of playing and make the best use of their time in lessons and ensembles? – and frame our classes with the answers in mind.

We hope that students come away from classes with a more solid understanding of music theory, a trained ear, improved sight-reading skills, and a multitude of practice techniques for their repertoire.

Technique/etude books: Simon Fischer’s books and videos are absolutely incredible. His three volumes Basics, Practice, and Scales address nearly every aspect of playing, and he also has books and videos on warming up, tone production and double stops. His work is focused on violin but many of the techniques he teaches are applicable to the other string instruments. Go to Simon Fischer or find his books on Shar Music. In the seminars and videos we often use Barbara Barber’s finger patterns to refine the students’ understanding of different keys in different positions. Finger patterns have been in use for centuries, but Barber’s Fingerboard Geography presents them in a clear and engaging way. She has numerous other publications that may also be of interest to student string players.

Instruments: Please connect to your local shops! Many communities have family-owned businesses that rent or sell good quality instruments and they will help you choose one that is right for your child. We have a lot of students from Philadelphia, and we recommend that they go to David Michie Violins, Mount Airy Violins, and Kot’s Violins.

Music and Supplies: Shar Music has most of what you need for student string players (rosin, strings, sheet music).