Violin and Viola Programs

South Pasadena Strings Program is known nationally for its high-caliber violin and viola teaching. We are proud that students from our program are accepted into the best youth orchestras, arts high schools, and conservatories, and they win awards and top ratings at music festivals and in solo competitions.

We are also known for starting children early. We begin children as young as 3½ in our KinderPiano® classes, and 4½ on violin, in our KinderViolin® program (see below). They are taught using the unique Pascale Method®. The method is an innovative and highly successful approach that is gaining international attention.

The South Pasadena Strings Program has an outstanding staff. Each teacher offers their own unique gifts and expertise, as well as being certified in the Pascale Method®.

Private Lessons

Incoming violin and viola students who do not qualify for KinderViolin® (see below) will be placed with a teacher according to their ability, by audition.

Our most successful students take both private lessons AND participate in an orchestra. At the Strings Program our violin students through 12 years old are required to participate in the Training or Children's Orchestra. We also encourage our students to participate in our Chamber Music Program.

KinderViolin® Class

KinderViolin® is open to students from age 4½. They must be complete beginners to take this class. KinderPiano® is the prerequisite for KinderViolin®. At the end of this 5-week piano class, the teacher will assess each student's readiness for KinderViolin®. (You can also read 'Is Your Child Ready for Music lessons?')

The KinderViolin® course, taught by Strings Program director Susan Pascale, is 14 weeks long. Class size is no more than eight children, and they are grouped by age.

The course includes a Pascale Method® binder, complete with assignments and practice charts. Weekly handouts assist the students and parents with home practicing.

At the end of the series, the children will perform in concert with the Los Angeles Children's Orchestra. By graduation the youngsters are playing with good form, intonation and a relaxed disposition. Each child is awarded a certificate for their accomplishments. After the course is over, most of the students will continue their studies privately with a Pascale Method®-certified violin teacher, and they will enroll in Training Orchestra. Some may change over to viola, cello or bass. The director will meet with each family to determine the next course of action.

To sign up for private lessons or KinderViolin ® class, go to Course Sign Up, or email us.