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We are a premier music school located in the San Francisco East Bay, California. We primarily offer lessons in Suzuki violin, viola, cello, and bass.
SSA also welcomes school age students for private instruction, group classes, orchestra, and chamber music.
SSA offers group lessons in guitar and early music education classes in Kindermusik in cooperation with Livermore Area Park and Recreation District (LARPD).
Sycamore Strings Academy is partnering with the Livermore-Amador Symphony Association, our local symphony, in operating the new Summer Youth Orchestra for musicians age 13 - 21. The orchestra session goes from June 16 to August 4. For information and registration, please contact Betsy Hausburg, at vdt.director@sbcglobal.net or (925) 443-6953. Link: Livermore-Amador Symphony.
Sycamore Strings Academy is also a partner with the Livermore Valley Performance Arts Center (LVPAC), and the Crowden Center for Music in the Community (CCMC) in Berkeley. We are also offering classes as approved vendor of Connecting Waters Charter School, an organization for home school students in the area.
SSA’s classes are held primarily in Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon.
What We Offer:
SSA Summer Classes, 2009!
- Summer Youth Symphony Orchestra – Sponsored by the Livermore-Amador Symphony
Youth orchestra ages 13 – 21
Conductors: Goran Berg & Bob Williams - Carnival of the Animals – Music & Movement class, age 3 – 5
Teacher: Christina Berg - Beginning String Bass (Double Bass), age 11 – 18
Teacher: Beth Foort - Jazz Improvisation for String Players I, age 8 – 10
Teacher: Beth Foort - Jazz Improvisation for String Players II, age 11 and up
Teacher: Beth Foort - Beginning Guitar for Children, age 8 – 12
Teacher: Christina Berg - Beginning Guitar for Parents & Students, age 13 and up
Teacher: Christina Berg - Introduction to Acting – Workshop, age 6 – 12
Teacher: Sally Mote Yaffe - 9. Summer Suzuki Workshop – Crowden Music Center, Berkeley, age 3 - 18
Renowned Guest Faculty from Suzuki programs throughout the nation
Regular Class Offerings
Suzuki Classes
- Group & individual classes in Suzuki violin, viola, cello, and bass for certified Suzuki teachers. Beginners from age 3 and up.
- Parent education is offered prior to starting beginner students: Introduction to Suzuki. For latest information about this important class, follow this link: Introduction to Suzuki.
- Junior string orchestra for first time orchestra experience.
- Senior string orchestra for advanced students.
- Chamber music classes for advanced students.
- CELLO & BASS - We are just starting a brand new cello and bass program for students of all ages, beginners from 3 years and up in our Suzuki program. Already playing school age students are welcome as well.
For Students on Violin, Viola, Cello & Bass
- Private instrumental quality instruction, designed for school age children who wants to take private lessons on their string instrument. Adjusted traditional & Suzuki inspired methods will be applied by our qualified faculty to best fit each student.
- Group, Orchestra, American & International Fiddle, Improvisation, and Chamber Music classes by audition.
- We have an IMMEDIATE NEED FOR CELLO AND BASS STUDENTS! We are building a new program with our new cello/bass teacher Beth Foort. Any age, level or background is welcome to enroll.
Performances
- Annual concert series with student performers.
- Ensembles of advanced students groups for hire to perform at public and private events.
Guitar
- Our very popular Guitar With Christina program where you learn to accompany your favorite songs! Taught in group classes for age 7 and up.
Kindermusik
As a young student, before or during instrument studies, we offer Kindermusik classes from toddler age and up, arranged by LARPD with our licensed Kindermusik educator.
Our Motto: Everyone Can Learn!
- As a Suzuki student you will receive a child centered, individual music education as well as a group education. Parents and students have the opportunity to learn together in accordance with the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki from teachers with certified Suzuki training.
- Violin, viola, cello, and bass students will have access to private lessons and classes in orchestra, fiddle, chamber music, and multiple performance opportunities.
- Our affiliation with the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center assures the usage of existing performance facilities like the Bothwell Performing Arts Center and the Bankhead Theater.
- Our partnership with Livermore-Amador Symphony concerns the new Summer Youth Orchestra in June - August. The orchestra will be conducted by Goran Berg, SSA Director, and Bob Williams, LAS’ Assistant Conductor.
- We offer our renowned annual concert series with formal concerts, student recitals, fiddle sessions, and community performances. Our performances are a very important part of our students’ education. We annually every fall perform our own Young Musicians’ Festival at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore.
- Our partnership with the Crowden Music Center in Berkeley assures a direct connection between SSA and the music education world of the Greater Bay Area. Teachers from the SSA faculty currently teach Suzuki classes at CMC. An annual Summer Suzuki Workshop is organized as part of CMC’s summer program with a faculty of outstanding national Suzuki teachers. This year’s summer workshop will be held at Crowden July 30 - Aug. 2.
- Our partnership as vendor to the Connecting Waters Charter School provides financial support for home school students when studying with SSA.
Sycamore Strings Academy class picture
