Choosing a String class at City Lit

Dr Edward Breen
Published: 13 June 2022
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Choosing a String class at City Lit

We offer a range of string classes, from complete beginners to Chamber music and Orchestra workshops, so there’s sure to be a class that’s right for you here in the heart of Covent Garden.

Group Learning Online

Learning in a group is great fun. You will play along and harmonise with your tutor and classmates, enjoy group and individual exercises, and lively discussion in your class and Google Classroom forum. You will get to play solo every so often, just a few bars or an entire piece, depending on your level.

Classes for absolute beginners

If you are an absolute beginner, then it’s easy: just start at with a 1A course and work through the courses in order.

Choosing the right level for returning players

If you have played before you can join at the level that is right for you.

Each level corresponds (roughly) to an ABRSM grade. If you look at ABRSM syllabuses (for Bowed strings and Classical guitar) you will get an idea of what each level is learning to play. You may also be interested in our Ensemble classes (see below). Please check the individual course outlines for more details of the books/repertoire for each class, as this gives you a clear indication of the level of a class.

If you are unsure of your current level, please email the Music Department or phone us on (020) 4582 0412 for further advice.

Changing classes

In the first couple of weeks, if you feel that the class you have chosen is not the right level for you, you may request a transfer. You can do this online by logging into your City Lit account (quickest method), or phone Enrolments on (020) 3871 3111. NB you must lodge your request in writing before the 3rd session of your course.

If you begin to find the level is unsuitable later on in your course then don’t worry, there will still be plenty to learn and you can then choose a more appropriate level the following term. That’s the idea of the short course modules: they allow flexibility because everyone learns at different speeds. Please ask your tutor for advice if you are not sure whether you’ve chosen the right course.

Violin and Viola

  • Violin and Viola 1A: from complete beginners to simple scales and pieces, including basic music-reading. Follows on to Violin and viola 1B and Violin and viola 1C
  • Violin and Viola 2A: from simple scales and pieces around grade 1 level to grade 2 repertoire. Follows on to Violin and viola 2B and Violin and viola 2C
  • Violin and Viola 3: achieve fluency at a grade 2 level and then begin some grade 3 material, learning to play in 3rd position and improve your music reading further. This level is not currently running. 
  • Violin and viola 4 (not running in 2023-24): achieve fluency at a grade 3 level and move on to grade 4 material, including higher positions, vibrato and a wider range of bowing techniques. 
  • Violin and viola 5: playing in positions up 5th, vibrato, improving your tone, studying repertoire and technical work at c. Grade 5 standard.  

Cello

  • Cello 1A from complete beginners to simple scales and pieces including reading the bass clef. Follows on to Cello 1B and Cello 1C
  • Cello 2A from simple scales and pieces around grade 1 level to grade 2/3 repertoire. Follows on to Cello 2B and Cello 2C
  • Intermediate: Cello workshop is for students playing at Grade 3 standard. Students typically spend two years in this level before progressing to advanced
  • Advanced: Cello: advanced workshop is for students who have been playing for at least 4 years, at grade 5 standard and above. Students often continue in Advanced workshop for more two or more years to explore repertoire and consolidate technique.

Classical Guitar

  • Classical Guitar 1A: from complete beginners to simple chords, scales and melodies. Follows on to Classical Guitar 1B and Classical Guitar 1C
  • Classical Guitar 2A: from simple chords, scales and melodies to harmonic accompaniments and ensemble pieces. Follows on to Classical Guitar 2B and Classical Guitar 2C
  • Classical Guitar 3A: play melodies with harmonic accompaniments, improved technical skill to focus on musicality.  Follows on to Classical Guitar 3B and Classical Guitar 3C
  • Classical guitar: advanced: is for experience players, and will cover repertoire from Classical and Baroque, Spanish, Latin, and English folk song.

Ensembles

Classical guitar players are welcome in Chamber music . NB you will need to contact the music department to check your level and availability of places for your instrument. Authorisation is required for ensemble courses so that we can ensure there is an appropriate mix of instruments for the group.

Weekly classes in term time:

  • String ensemble: for those who play violin/viola/cello/bass  to at least Grade 3 standard 
  • Chamber music: intermediate: Grade 3 to 5 standard, confident music readers, some ensemble experience
  • Chamber music: advanced: confident players at Grade 6 level or above (Grade 8 for pianists), with good sight-reading skills and ensemble experience

Intensive / short courses:

  • String Schools: for players of bowed strings at grade 3 and above, a chance to play in a large ensemble and improve your musicianship and sight-reading. Music is provided in advance.
  • Orchestra workshop: is for confident, experienced players of all orchestral instruments, Grade 6 and above. Repertoire is announced and parts available at least 4 weeks in advance of each workshop and students are expected to study their parts before the first session. The music is not suitable for sight-reading at the course.

Musicianship and music theory

Why not take a complementary course to enhance your understanding of musical skills and musical notation. Please see our Music theory and Musicianship programme for further information.

Learn Strings City Lit

Learn the violin, viola, classical guitar or cello on one of our many courses. Choose from short tasters and year long courses.

Choosing a String class at City Lit