Specialties
StringTime is a fun beginner violin and cello camp in Northern Virginia taught by some of the country's best young-adult musicians.
LEARN:
At StringTime, we have built an all inclusive educational experience which will develop a truly well rounded musician. In addition to private instruction, students will participate in music theory and music history classes, compose their own pieces, collaborate with others in chamber music and large ensemble, and let out their energy in games and activities that enrich and enhance their musicianship.
PERFORM:
In order to learn a performing art, students must perform! StringTime students will end their session by performing a full recital on a real stage in front of a live audience. They will play alongside both their peers and their teachers. All are invited!
EXPERIENCE:
Our students will not only learn how to play an instrument: they will fall in love with music. We choose music that kids will enjoy and tailor our curriculum to fit their needs. Every day our world class faculty will perform for the students, instilling the belief that classical music is beautiful, unique, and relevant.
History
Established in 2022.
Where our summer camp idea began...
PROBLEM:
Learning a string instrument was high risk. Kids couldn't try it without their parents getting locked into an instrument rental contract or committing to a semester of lessons.
RESULT:
1. Talented kids were passed over. Some parents didn't believe the risk was worth taking, so they never rented an instrument or paid for lessons. Those kids have since grown into adults, and now listen to music and wish they could do it all over.
2. Uninterested kids were forced to play. Some kids try music lessons and discover it's not their thing. Those parents don't want to lose their money so they force their children to continue. The kids and parents are frustrated.
SOLUTION:
We decided to launch StringTime Summer Camp- a place where kids can try the violin/cello for 5 days without committing to a long-term instrument rental contract. You don't know if your children will like playing an instrument unless they try. StringTime is their opportunity.
Meet the Business Owner: Lourdes D.
Lourdes studies with National Symphony Orchestra Principal Cellist, David Hardy. Previously, she studied with Darrett Adkins, a professor at Juilliard and Oberlin Conservatory. She was in the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program and Summer Music Institute where she studied and performed solos, chamber, and orchestral works at the Kennedy Center.
She has played at private events for Kobe Bryant and former Congresswoman Connie Morella. She has performed at the Embassies of Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. In front of 18,000 people, she performed as principal cellist of The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra at the Microsoft Inspire International Convention. She also plays piano and gave an impromptu performance at the Ambassador of Chile's Residence.
She believes that kids must get their hands on instruments, listen to great music, and study from highly specialized and enthusiastic teachers to develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts.