Stringendo School For Strings | Casa Stringendo Inc

Purpose

Stringendo School For Strings was founded in 2000 by Belen and Patrick Clifford. The purpose of the school is to seek out and to train musically gifted students. These students are held to an exceptionally high standard, both musically and personally. We hold the belief that each student is capable of achieving greatness both on his or her instrument and in his or her character. Patrick and Belen both feel strongly that God has given them a great responsibility and an awesome privilege to be able to make a positive impact in the lives of their students. It is with great honor that they pass on what God has given them both musically and spiritually.

Method

Summer Academy

Stringendo School for Strings was developed by Patrick Clifford for the purpose of mastering the violin through sequential and systematic teaching of the intellectual, aural, mechanical, musical, emotional, and psychological aspects of violin playing. From the beginning students work through a course of five elements: bow exercises, finger exercises, scales and arpeggios, etudes, and repertoire. This is navigated through 12 tiers, divided into 4 levels each. Together with weekly lessons, monthly studio classes, semester recitals, annual juries, and competitions as prescribed, a committed student will attain a high level of proficiency and enjoy the ability to express themselves effectively.

The focus of Stringendo School For Strings Summer Academy is attaining the maximum progress possible in a four-week span of time. One of the most essential factors in this equation is large blocks of uninterrupted practice time. Each morning is dedicated to personal practice of foundational exercises, scales and arpeggios, etudes and repertoire.

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Our Services

Individual Instruction

Students receive invaluable instruction in the areas of mechanical technique, musical phrasing, and artistic styles. Another important aspect of these lessons is receiving crucial feedback as to their own practice effectiveness and how well they are implementing and executing the instruction they are being given.

Studio Class, Recitals, & Juries

Monthly studio classes, semester recitals, and annual juries help each student build confidence through successful execution of scales, etudes, and repertoire before an audience of peers, family, and faculty. The growth that comes through these activities cannot be replicated any other way.

Master Classes

The opportunity to perform for world class visiting artists is something that makes an indelible and lasting impression on our students. Stringendo School for Strings faculty's network of colleagues affords our students multiple opportunities to attend and perform in master classes each year.

Chamber Ensemble Coaching

All students will participate in a chamber music ensemble. Whether a string quartet, quintet, octet or chamber orchestra these ensembles will allow the students to sharpen their rhythmic, listening and communication skills as they are exposed to some of the great string chamber music literature.

Orchestra Leadership Workshop

Stringendo faculty travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally performing and giving masterclasses, seminars, clinics and workshops to students in orchestra leadership and effective communication.

Orchestra Sectionals

Stringendo faculty travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally performing and working with high school and youth orchestras sharing their knowledge and expertise on orchestral string techniques.