In the first semester, students dive into the fundamentals of music theory and ear training, building a strong foundation for their musical journey. While learning their newly assigned repertoire, they'll deepen their understanding of how music works, helping them connect more meaningfully with the music they play. This strong start equips them with the tools to not only play music but truly understand its structure — laying the groundwork for a lifetime of music-making and appreciation.

Performing is a key aspect of being a musician. It's not just about playing the notes; it's about connecting with an audience, managing stage nerves, and building the confidence to shine in any setting. Through live performance opportunities, students learn to navigate the challenges of the stage, improving their accuracy and stage presence beyond the practice room. These experiences are crucial for personal and musical growth, helping students not only evolve as musicians but also as individuals. The program provides ample performance opportunities through community engagement concerts around the city.

For young, ambitious musicians, competitions are a valuable way to push their skills and gain valuable experience. However, the right preparation is key to standing out and performing at their best. We provide students with the tools they need to succeed, offering regular performance classes, personalized advice from musicians actively competing on the international stage, and more. This hands-on guidance helps them build the confidence and strategy they need to compete powerfully and with purpose.

Every musician’s journey is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach to scheduling and practice hours, tailoring each student’s experience to their specific needs and goals. With a hands-on approach that’s special to small programs like ours, students are encouraged to communicate openly with Connie, ensuring that their individual needs are met while also being part of a supportive and collaborative community.

Chamber music is all about the magic that happens when musicians come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a chance to develop skills like sight-reading, listening, rhythm, and the subtle art of musical expression—all while collaborating with others in an intimate ensemble setting. There’s something truly special about the way chamber music pushes you to grow, not just as a player, but as a teammate. And it’s a lot of fun too!

The Pre-College Program successfully merged with the Junior Chamber Music program last year and will do the same in the year 2025-2026. No additional time commitments or repertoire preparation is needed to join JCM, but students will be able to enjoy opportunities and competitions offered exclusively by the program. Students are responsible for the Junior Chamber Music tuition.

String orchestra/large ensembles for pre-college students challenges musicians to grow through the community and also expanding their musical repertoire. With a focus on fostering collaboration and skill development, the orchestra encourages students to reach new heights in their musical journey. For the last two years, the program also featured commissioned works by our resident composer, Wesley Chu, whose original compositions are tailored specifically for our students, offering a unique and inspiring experience.