Over the last few months, I have been trying to think about how best to utilize my 16+ years of experience a viola instructor at multiple levels to help get the next generation of violists ready for upcoming auditions. What sort of skills do violists need to have to prepare for their auditions? What are audition committees looking for? Even if an audition is several months away, what steps can I be taking now to get ready?
This summer, I will be hosting a Viola Audition Bootcamp, taking place at Opera America, 330 7th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY (a 5 minute walk from Penn Station). This workshop will be taking place between July 17 and July 31st.
This workshop will be in person, and available to all serious viola students (High School students 16 and over, College-aged students, and younger professionals) who are looking to workshop their audition materials for upcoming auditions. The first component will feature three 2-hour studio classes (July 17th, 24th, 31st from 11:00am-1:00pm). Each week there will be a different focus for repertoire in the studio classes (Week 1- Solo Bach; Week 2- Viola Concerti and Sonatas; Week 3- Scales, Etudes, Excerpts). In addition, private lessons will also be available, either on the same date as the masterclass, or on a different day of the week. There will also be an audit option for those who want to observe the workshops, but may not be in a position where they are performing.
RATES FOR PARTICIPATION:
- 3 Two hour Studio Classes + 3 One hour Private Lessons = $390 for total workshop
- 1 hour lessons = $120 per lesson
- Studio class alone (while participating) = $50 per two hour studio class
- Auditing studio class (without performing) = $25 per two hour studio class
Limited financial assistance and scholarships are available. A minimum of three full participants is needed to operate the workshop. Due to space capacity at Opera America, the workshop will have to be capped at a a total of 11 participants. Participants will be responsible for transportation and cost of meals.
If you, or someone you know is interested, please have them fill out this Google Doc.
Please share this with your students! If this goes well, I will likely have additional workshops at other points in the year, and perhaps in other locations.
Gregory K. Williams 