- Summer Camps
- Private Lessons
- Music Academies
- Youth & Professional Orchestras
- Instrument Care
- Helpful Links
- Industry Links
Summer Camps & Clinics:
There are many wonderful opportunities for summer camps and clinics! Please see below for a listing in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. We do our best to update information each winter/spring – please contact organizations directly with any questions.
| Summer Camp | Location | Dates | Website | Phone |
| American Fiddle Method (Fiddle Pal) | Stillwater, MN | June 18-21, 2024 | Fiddle Pal Camp | N/A |
| American Suzuki Center - Aber Suzuki Center | Stevens Point, WI | July 14-20, 21-27, 2024 | ASI - ASC | 715-346-3033 |
| Athena Music & Leadership Camp | Atlanta, GA | June 23-27, 2024 | Athena Camp & Leadership | N/A |
| Birch Creek Symphony - Academy Session | Egg Harbor, WI | June 30-July 13, 2024 | Birch Creek Academy | 920-868-3763 |
| Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (5-12) | Twin Lake, MI | June, July, Aug '24 Sessions | Blue Lake fine Arts Camp | 800-221-3796 |
| Bravo! Summer Music Academy | Faribault, MN | TBD | Bravo Summer Music Academy | N/A |
| Brevard Music Center Summer Institute | Brevard, NC | June 21-August 4, 2024 | Brevard Music Center Summer institute | 828-862-2100 |
| Dorian Summer Music Camps (Luther College) | Decorah, IA | June 9-15, 2024 | Dorian Summer Music Camps | 563-387-1389 |
| GTCYS Summer Camps | Twin Cities, MN | July 22-26, 2024 | GTCYS Summer Camps | 651-602-6800 |
| International Music Camp - Orchestra | Dunseith, ND | July 21-27, 2024 | INTL Music Camp - Orchestra | 701-838-8472 |
| International Cello Institute (ICI) | Northfield, MN (St. Olaf College) | July 14-August 4, 2024 | International Cello Institute | N/A |
| Itasca Orchestra & Strings Summer Program | Grand Rapids, MN | 2024 TBD | Itasca String Camp | (218) 327-5781 (Itasca Orch #) |
| Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp & Music Festival | Olathe, KS (MNU) | July 7-13, 2024 | Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp | 516-767-6677 |
| MNSOTA Upper Midwest String Camp | TBD | 2024 TBD | MNSOTA Summer Camp | 320-363-5389 |
| MN Sinfonia Youth Outreach Week | Minneapolis, MN | 2024 TBD | MN Sinfonia Youth Outreach | 612-871-1701 |
| MacPhail String Chamber Music & Orchestra Camp | Minneapolis, MN | August 5-9, 2024 | MacPhail Summer Camp | 612-321-0100 |
| MacPhail on Madeline Island Adult Strings Retreat | Madeline Island, WI | August 23-July 14, 2024 | MacPhail on Madeline Island | 612-321-0100 |
| Minnetonka Summer Orchestra & Quickstart | Minnetonka, MN | Summer 2024 | Minnetonka Community Education - Orchestra | 952-401-6800 |
| Monticello Community Strings Orchestra | Monticello, MN | 2024 TBD | Monticello Chamber Strings Orchestra | 763-272-2030 |
| MYS Summer String Ensembles | Saint Paul, MN | June 24-28, 2024 | MYS Summer String Ensembles | 651-699-5811 |
| Mounds View Schools Summer Orchestra | Mounds View, MN | July 8-Aug 1, 2024 | Mounds View schools Summer Orchestra 2024 | 651-621-7070 |
| Northern Lights Music Festival - Young Artists Program | Hibbing, MN | June 30-July 20, 2024 | NLMF Young Artists Program | 218-780-2292 |
| Roseville Area schools Summer Orchestra Camps | Roseville, MN | July 29-august 2, 2024 | Roseville Area Schools Summer Orchestra Camp | 651-604-3770 |
| Rushmore Music Festival | Rapid City, SD | June 15-July 29, 2024 | Rushmore Music Festival | 605-646-3146 |
| St. Olaf College Summer Music Academy | Northfield, MN | June 16-22, 2024 | St. Mary's University String Festival | 507-786-3031 |
| St. Mary's University String Festival | Winona, MN | 2024 TBD | SPCM Music Camp | N/A |
| St. Paul Chamber Music Institute | St. Paul, MN | June 23-29, 2024 | St. Paul Chamber Music Institute | 651-224-2205 |
| St. Paul Conservatory of Music Summer Music Camp | St. Paul, MN | July 8-19, 2024 | SPCM Music Camp | 651-224-2205 |
| Stillwater Schools Summer Instrument Explosion | Stillwater, MN | August 2024 | Stillwater Schools Instrument Explosion | 651-351-8300 |
| Stringwood Chamber Music Festival & Young Artist Program | Lanesboro, MN | August 3-18, 2024 | Stringwood | 651-587-7595 |
| U of MN Summer Orchestra | Minneapolis, MN | 2024 TBD | U of MN Summer Orchestra | 612-624-5740 |
| University of South Dakota - Summer Music Camp | Vermillion, SD | July 14-19, 2024 | USD Summer Music Camp | 605-658-3467 |
| Walker West Summer Music Camps - Grow Through Music, Jazz Intensive, Jazz Violin Workshop | Saint Paul, MN | July 8-26,2024 | Walker West Summer Camps | 651-224-2929 |
Minnesota String & Orchestra Teachers (MNSOTA):
ASTA National Camps
Private Lessons
It is generally recommended for students – especially beginners – to continue their musical instrument education year-round. There are many opportunities with orchestra camps and private lessons to stay involved especially during the summer months. String camps and lessons programs provide students with an opportunity to maintain playing skills in a new environment for building relationships, exploring techniques, and growing through music education!
You can always check with your orchestra teacher for recommendations, and we also provide our customers with private teacher recommendations and matchmaking based on their location, age/playing ability, and other requirements. Please complete the Private Teacher Request Form below and we will be in touch!
Private Teacher Request Form
ASTA – Find a Teacher
The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) maintains an active database of private teacher members on their website.
Founded in 1946, the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) exists to support string and orchestra teachers and players. ASTA members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The organization provides teaching resources, professional education, local and national events, a career center, insurance programs, and access to a vibrant and collaborative strings community.
Find a Teacher
Suzuki – Find a Teacher
The Suzuki Association of Americas (SAA) maintains an active database of private teacher members on their website.
Shinichi Suzuki was a violinist, educator, philosopher and humanitarian. Born in 1898, he studied violin in Japan for some years before going to Germany in the 1920s for further study. After the end of World War II, Dr. Suzuki devoted his life to the development of the method he calls Talent Education.
Suzuki based his approach on the belief that “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.”
Dr. Suzuki’s goal was not simply to develop professional musicians, but to nurture loving human beings and help develop each child’s character through the study of music.
Find a Teacher
Music Academies
All Strings Attached does not offer music lessons as we are exclusively focused on providing the highest quality strings instruments in the Twin Cities.
We are fortunate to have an excellent selection of private teachers and music academies throughout the Twin Cities. Please feel free to research below and speak with your child’s teacher for recommendations. We are also available to assist our musical families and guide you in this process by providing several options for professional string teachers. Please keep in mind that all teachers set their own schedules, rates, and studio policies.
Youth Orchestras
Professional Orchestras
Anatomy of a Violin
Instrument Care Guide
Protection
Always keep your instrument and bow in its case or bag when it is not in use. Make sure that the bow hair has been loosened before putting it in the proper protective compartment.
Instrument
Regular attention to the following details will help keep your instrument in the best playing condition.
Temperature
Never expose the instrument to direct sunlight, sudden changes in temperature, or changes in humidity. When it is not in use, store it in a place with moderate humidity, away from radiators or hot air vents. Also, keep the instrument away from doors or areas where there are sudden drafts. Never leave an instrument in a car in extremely hot or cold weather.
Humidity
Stringed instruments generally need 30-50% relative humidity to maintain their adjustments and integrity. Use of a home or room humidifier is strongly recommended. You may also use a case or instrument humidifier (i.e. Dampit, Oasis, Boveda) to ensure that sudden changes in humidity do not crack your instrument or cause it to go out of adjustment. The humidifiers should be monitored on a regular basis whenever the heat is on in your house and especially during the winter months it is cold and dry.
Cleaning
Rosin dust should be removed after each playing. Always keep a special cleaning cloth to wipe down the strings and the body of your instrument in your case. Periodic polishing with special string instrument polish will help maintain the luster. DO NOT USE ALCOHOL. It is a solvent and can damage the varnish.
Pegs
The proper fit and operation of the pegs is important to both the health of the instrument and the convenience of the player. A common complaint is the sticking or excessive slipping of the pegs. Humidity often plays a large part in causing this problem. If this is a consistent problem, have our shop adjust the pegs for a better fit.
Strings
Even the finest instruments in the world cannot sound their best with old or poor quality strings. Strings will usually go bad long before they ever break. Look for changes in appearance on the surface of the string, such as being able to see under the tightly wrapped top, or “dents” in the textual consistency of the string. Avoid using cheap steel strings when you have a quality stringed instrument for it can seriously compromise the quality of sound the instrument makes.
String Tuners
If your tuner has a lever under the tailpiece, guard against the lever touching the top of the instrument this can seriously bruise the wood under the tailpiece. To reduce the depression of the lever, merely turn the tuner screw to the left (counter clockwise). If you wish to use more then one tuner, consider having us install a WHITTNER tailpiece with the built-in tuners for ease of tuning.
Bow
A fresh hank of bow hair can be expected to last for 120 playing hours. This means your bow should be re-haired once every six months if you play 1/2 an hour a day, five days a week. Loosen the bow when it is not in use, and always keep fingers and polish away from the bow hair.
Bridge
THE BRIDGE MUST BE KEPT IN A PERPENDICULAR POSITION. TUNING THE STRINGS TENDS TO PULL IT FORWARD. Check its position frequently. If neglected, the bridge may warp, even break. If it requires adjusting, please see our shop’s repairmen.
Chinrest
If the chinrest is loose or is touching the tailpiece, it may produce a buzzing sound. See our repairmen for an adjustment so that the chinrest is firmly secured.
Sounds-Post
Unless the post is fitted properly, the tone of the instrument will be disturbed. If it moves, falls, or changes shape, loosen the string tension slightly and ask our repair shop to reposition it correctly.
Periodic Inspection
An instrument demands continuous care. Players should inspect the strings, bridge, and bow at least once a week. Also, carefully look for any signs of cracks or open glue joints on the wood.
Open Edges
Check your instrument regularly to note whether the top or back has become unglued from the ribs at any point. If so, do not neglect this; see our repairmen as quickly as possible. The longer this is unattended to the worse the situation becomes for the instrument. Check periodically for cracks that may develop, especially during cold, dry weather. Keep all polishes away from open cracks, and bring the instrument to our shop so that the cracks will be glued as quickly as possible.
Music Instructional Videos, Concerts, and Other Educational Resources
Music Instructional Videos, Concerts, and Other Educational Resources
How to Tune Your Instrument / Tuners & Metronomes:
Violin: Beginner (Using Fine Tuners), Advanced (Using Friction Pegs);
Recommended Tuning/Metronome Apps:
- ClearTune
- TonalEnergy Tuner (TE Tuner) (Also has a metronome and audio analyzer)
- Metronome Plus
Recommended Tuners: Available for Purchase Online
- Snark Super Tight, Clip-On Tuner (ST-8)
- Korg Chromatic Solo Tuner (CA-1)
- Korg Combo Tuner/Metronome (TM-50)
String Instrument Resources:
The Violinist: Website dedicated to all things violin. Blogs, classifieds, performances, videos, teachers, luthiers, etc.
CelloBello: Formerly the Internet Cello Society (ICS). Website dedicated to all things cello: videos/lessons, jobs, competitions, blogs/forums, etc. Founded by Paul Katz and currently run/maintained by NEC students. Also on YouTube with many interviews, masterclasses, lessons, discussions, and more.
TalkBass: Website dedicated to bass/bassists. Forums/blogs, classifieds, etc.
International Society of Bassists (ISB): With some 3,000 members in over 40 countries, the ISB is an organization for those who teach, study, play, repair, build and enjoy the double bass. The ISB is a forum for communication among bassists throughout the world and across a wide variety of musical styles.
General Music Resources (All Instruments):
Appcompanist: Can be used for secondary school solo and ensemble practice, Appcompanist gives you full control over thousands of beautiful piano parts
Chrome Music Lab: Chrome Music Lab is a website that makes learning music more accessible through fun, hands-on experiments.
Many teachers have been using Chrome Music Lab as a tool in their classrooms to explore music and its connections to science, math, art, and more. They’ve been combining it with dance and live instruments. Here’s a collection of some uses we’ve found on Twitter.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Learning for Kids:
Younger Students: Here
Older Students: Here
Jamkazam: Revolutionizing the way musicians connect, play, learn and earn. Across a city or across a nation.
Jazz Everyone: Learn how to improvise and play Jazz online, for schools and private learning. Over 600 instructional videos and thousands of downloadable PDFs and tracks with one of the leading jazz educators, Willie Thomas.
Minnesota Orchestra: Interactive guide to the orchestra and instrument musician guide, plus a chance to “Meet” the musicians of the orchestra.
MusEDLab: The NYU Music Experience Design Lab (MusEDLab) researches and designs new technologies and experiences for music making, creative learning and engagement together with students, educators, non-profit, and industry partners. We focus on lowering barriers to and promoting creative expressions of all people across the lifespan.
MuseScore: Free composition software
Musical Instrument Museum Virtual Tour – Main Website
The Musical Instrument Museum of Phoenix, AZ features a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from countries around the world.
MusicTheory.net – Free online lessons, exercises, and tools in/for music theory.
Prodigies Music Lessons: The easiest way to teach young children music! Our kids YouTube channel is full of interactive preschool learning videos that get kids singing, hand-signing and playing their first instrument. We sing about the musical alphabet, about Solfege, about scale numbers and colors! Your kids will learn how to play their favorite preschool songs and you’ll be amazed at how fast their musicality will develop.
Strings Magazine: Periodical dedicated to all things related to the string family. Performances, news articles/stories, and more. Also available digitally/online.
Strad Magazine: The Strad is an indispensable guide for string players, teachers and instrument makers alike, featuring expert advice and practical guidance each month from celebrated luthiers working with traditional techniques and the latest technological advances. Authoritative, trusted and influential, The Strad is available in print and digital editions.
The Violin Channel – Online resource for classical music news, performances, reviews, masterclasses, articles, etc. Can also be found on YouTube.
uTheory: online theory, rhythm, & ear training video lessons, exercises & practice — has teacher interface, individual student logins available. Free tier available with subscriptions also possible.
WordSynth: An experiment that lets you play with language and music.
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence: Emotions drive learning, decision making, creativity, relationships, and health. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence uses the power of emotions to create a healthier, and more equitable, productive, and compassionate society, today and for future generations.
YoReMi – YoReMi combines music, yoga and mindfulness education into one affordable and effective, curriculum-based enrichment class that promotes a child’s physical, social, emotional and mental health. For kids K-5.
Concerts & Performances:
New York Philharmonic Archives: Every concert (and more) since December 7, 1842.
*Disclaimer: These websites and resources have been compiled and shared with you for educational purposes only, and All Strings Attached does not claim ownership or endorse any of the content found herein. Please consult with your teacher for additional guidance. We are available if you have any questions or would like to submit additional resources, please share them with us at: info@allstringsattached.com
ASTA – American String Teachers Association:
Founded in 1946, the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) exists to support string and orchestra teachers and players. ASTA members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The organization provides teaching resources, professional education, local and national events, a career center, insurance programs, and access to a vibrant and collaborative strings community.
Click to Download the ASTA “Why Strings” Publication:
ISB – International Society of Bassists:
The International Society of Bassists aims to raise awareness for the double bass by educating and connecting people through bass music. The ISB has over 3,000 members in over 40 countries from teachers and professional musicians to those who repair and make basses.
MNSOTA – Minnesota String & Orchestra Teachers Association:
The Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA) is the Minnesota chapter of ASTA. MNSOTA is a community of string teachers that pursues the mission of ASTA by offering services, benefits, and educational programs for the betterment of string teachers and music education.
NAMM – National Association of Music Merchants:
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)’s mission is to “strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of music making”. NAMM strives to achieve this goal through annual trade shows that showcase their member’s products and innovations and providing industry specific educational programs.
Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) Resources:
Forum topics cover a wide range of topics that can include, but are not limited to, camps, distance learning resources/tips, supplemental resources to the books, questions/answers regarding the books, etc.
Suzuki Teachers Facebook Group
TCMU – Twin Cities Musicians Union:
The Twin Cities Musicians Union (Local 30-73 of the American Federation of Musicians) represents professional musicians, music educators, composers, conductors, and various other music related professionals of all styles and genres located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN.
VSA – Violin Society of America:
The Violin Society of America is a non-profit organization focused on the promotion of making, repairing, and restoring instruments and bows of the violin family. The VSA sponsors a world-renowned bi-annual instrument making competition and an annual convention featuring lectures, exhibits, concerts, and other activities relevant to the interests of its members. They publish journals on the art of violin making and the history of instruments and sponsor workshops jointly with Oberlin College.
Instrument Repair & Violin Making Programs:
o Red Wing Violin Repair Program: Minnesota State College Southeast located in Redwing, MN, offers the only violin repair program in the United States that spans an entire academic year. During this program, students learn the basic techniques of repair and maintenance for violins, violas, cellos, and string bass.
o Chicago School of Violin Making: Founded in 1975, the Chicago School of Violin Making offers a 3-year program focused on the construction, repair, and restoration of instruments in the violin family. Graduates of the program can be found all over the world making instruments for young students to seasoned professionals.
o Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop: The Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop is an annual two-week graduate level program for professional violin makers who are currently working in the field. The focus of the program changes each year and participants take part in lectures, discussions, and collaborate to build an instrument.
*Disclaimer: These websites and resources have been compiled and shared with you for educational purposes only, and All Strings Attached does not claim ownership or endorse any of the content found herein. Please consult with your teacher for additional guidance. We are available if you have any questions or would like to submit additional resources, please share them with us at: info@allstringsattached.com