String Prep Program

Applications are being accepted for the 2000-2001 Oberlin String Preparatory Program, an outreach offering of the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music designed for students entering the fourth or fifth grades interested in beginning study on a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass). Students who plan to participate in public school string programs are strongly encouraged to join the Oberlin String Preparatory Program.

Approximately 130 students in the Oberlin area have developed their musical talents in this program, which celebrates its eighth anniversary this year. Many of these students have gone on to play with youth orchestras and middle school and high school bands; one student is a professional musician who often plays jazz with a Cleveland-based ensemble.

Dr. Joanne Erwin, founder and director of the Oberlin String Preparatory Program, is associate professor of music education at the Oberlin College Conservatory. "The program emphasizes a wide diversity of musical styles not usually covered in traditional programs," she says. "We explore classical, jazz, folk and country. And as I want students to understand 'how' music comes together--there's a heavy emphasis on composition. As educators, we find such joy in nurturing a new audience for music, not simply in fostering a love for music in the young students, but also in their parents."

Students in the program receive private instruction from accomplished Conservatory string players who have completed teaching training. Participants also study in group string classes taught by Dr. Erwin.

Sarah Zaharako '99, a fifth-year violin performance student who completed an interdisciplinary degree (music education and visual arts), has taught for five years with the String Prep Program, and also spent several weeks teaching music to children in Panama.

"When I signed up for the pedagogy classes as a freshman so I could teach in this program, I really just did it so that I could learn new skills, have a job and make some money," says Zaharako." But this experience changed my entire career plan. I still love to perform, but now I see myself as an educator. I can't foresee a time in my life when I won't be teaching. Every student is different. Each has different skills and needs and I love those differences. As a bonus, teaching others has taught me a lot about myself."

The cost for the program is $200 per semester; scholarships are available. A limited number of instruments are also available. For additional information or to apply, please contact the Oberlin Conservatory Office of Outreach at (440) 775-8044.