String Beans Studio

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Tag: violin

  • Upcoming Performances

    Saturday, 5/23 at 2:00 PM
    Solo Recital
    Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
    4418 Perry Ave NE, Bremerton, WA 98310

    This recital will be with a highly skilled professional accompanist, which makes it a rare chance to bring a piece to a very high level of refinement.

    Solo pieces need to be chosen this week. Students are being asked to select something they already play well so the next few months can focus on polishing, comfort, and musical depth …while still continuing to work on new material in lessons.

    Saturday, 5/30 at 3:00 PM
    Celtic Group Performance
    Otherwise Society Commons, Poulsbo

    Indoors, cozy space, seating for about 50 people – and yes, there’s a popcorn machine.

    We’ll follow it up with a celebration picnic at the Poulsbo waterfront park. Bring snacks and good vibes.

    Saturday, 6/13 at 12:00 PM
    Celtic Group Performance
    Port Orchard Farmers Market

    This one includes amplification for as many students as I can support electronically, which is a great experience to have. If you’re excited about playing with sound reinforcement, this is your moment.

    The May 30 and June 13 performances are the two Celtic dates. You don’t need to commit to both, but if you do, there will be surprise goodies. No further comment. :)

  • Review and Memorization

    Review and Memorization

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    WHAT DOES REVIEW DO FOR US?

    • MAKES NEW MATERIAL EASIER
      • many techniques we learn in early pieces will show up again later on
      • review strengthens connections in material already learned
      • being able to easily spiral back to an idea or technique previously learned will make new material easier and more natural
    • REDUCES PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
      • review helps with recall
      • memorization and muscle memory not only help to refine musicality but also reduce performance anxiety
    • PROVIDES SCAFFOLDING
      • review aids in developing techniques and skills
      • Being able to do something well, easily, and automatically is critical scaffolding for building and developing new technique
    • SHIFTS FOCUS
      • music is far more than just notes and rhythms
      • review helps us give more attention to detail
      • when we internalize the basics solidly, we can shift focus to points of expression
      • detail-orientation carries over to all other aspects of life – it’s not just about music.
  • USING RECORDINGS

    USING RECORDINGS

  • Rehearsal, Recital, Cookie Party!

    Rehearsal, Recital, Cookie Party!

    12/20/2025

    • dress rehearsal is Saturday at 4:00 PM at the String Beans Studio (1667 SE Ellis Ct.)
    • “dress rehearsal” in the context of a music performance means we are rehearsing the music.  Wear whatever clothes you want to today.
    • if you have a sturdy music stand, please bring it (no wire stands)
    • We’ll do two full run-throughs of the entire program.  I’m hoping to keep the rehearsal down to an hour but it may take longer.  
    • This is not a practice session; it’s a run-through, and you’ll get one chance during each run.


    12/21/2025

    Performance is Sunday at Key Peninsula Civic Center
    17010 S Vaughn Rd NW
    Key Center, WA 98394

    • Setup: 3:30 PM
    • Performance: 4:00 PM
    • wear anything festive and nice-looking that you want, as long as you can comfortably and effectively play in it without distracting yourself or others.  You will be on an elevated stage, so no short skirts.  As always, no heels and hair must be away from your face.
    • if you have a sturdy music stand, please bring it (no wire stands)
    • Afterward: snack/cookie party. Please bring something to share – it doesn’t necessarily have to be cookies. Any snack or drink is great.
    • Help with cleanup afterwards is always appreciated.  Many hands makes for light work!
  • Time for a string check!

    Time for a string check!

    With the holiday recital coming up, this is the ideal moment to take a hard look at the condition of your strings. The quality and lifespan of violin strings have a measurable impact on sound. When strings get worn out, tone dulls, tuning becomes unstable, and even strong playing can sound muted.

    If your strings are older than 9–12 months (or 6 months with heavy practice), it’s likely time to replace them.

    Recommendations:

    Strong suggestion going forward:

    • Keep one spare full set of strings in the case at all times. It prevents last-minute panic if a string breaks the week (or the day) of a performance.
    • Don’t throw out the old ones; keep them as emergency backups.