Resources

Midwest Summer Camps

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ASTA National Camps

Private Teachers

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, when it is important to maintain playing skills.  String camps and lessons programs provide students with a new environment for building relationships, exploring new techniques, and growing through music education.

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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.

MUSIC ACADEMY LOCATION PHONE WEBSITE
Bach to Rock Plymouth 763-208-7847
K & S Conservatory of Music Woodbury 651-739-7848
Kramer's Schools of Music Eden Prairie & Plymouth 952-392-4812
MacPhail Center For Music Minneapolis, Apple Valley, Austin, Chanhassen, White Bear Lake 612-321-0100
Mount Calvary Academy of Music Excelsior 952-474-8893
Mount Olivet School of Music and the Arts South Minneapolis 612-767-2262
Ovation Academy of Music Plymouth 763-559-9690
Rubinstein Music Academy Plymouth, Woodbury, St. Paul 612-707-6668
St. Joseph's School of Music St. Paul 651-690-4364

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.

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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.

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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.