Deadline extended for Baroque Strings Festival!
Enroll by May 15
Enroll: Music workshops with something for everyone
Short workshops at SHAK give teens or kids the chance to try out music of the Medieval, Renaissance, or Baroque eras. Ages and music level ranges vary per program, from late-beginner kids to advanced high school performers.
July 27-31, 2026: Baroque Strings Festival
For 8th-12th grade teen string players (Younger? Please inquire!)
Enjoy Baroque style — where everyone's sound matters! The sparkle, refinement, and momentum of the music come to life with a period bow in your hand.
Class schedule: Mon-Fri 9:45am-3:55pm
Concluding concert: Friday 7:30pm; call time 6pm
Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle 98115
Sign up by May 15
We'll explore the vitality and elegence of orchestral and chamber music from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Professional basso continuo accompaniment inspires you to take your playing to a new level. We'll also discover some of the context that musicians brought with them in the Baroque era, with fun enrichment explorations. Tuition includes use of a Baroque bow. Most students play on their regular modern instruments (workshop pitch is A440), but gut strings are welcome.
Want to know more? Read our Early Music Youth Academy FAQs!
Corelli at second-ever Baroque Strings Festival (Aug 2025)
Levels & Participation
For intermediate to advanced students of violin, viola, and cello. Please note that these requirements are about foundational musical and ensemble skills and are not necessarily indicated by the student's orchestra placement or what repertoire they study.
Advanced students are experienced chamber musicians who play with expression and a high degree of accuracy. These students know how to lead, follow, sightread, shape a phrase, skillfully use a variety of articulations and parts of the bow, and play truly in tune in multiple positions and keys. Prior experience of historical performance is welcome but not required.
Intermediate students play truly in tune in common keys in first position, or first through third positions, with strong awareness of ring tones. They read accurately and can play common rhythms reliably in one-on-a-part settings. They make a warm and open sound, are comfortable in all parts of the bow, and can follow directions about articulation, tone, and dynamics. They practice thoughtfully and are motivated to contribute their best sound to the group.
How to enroll:
Newcomers:
- Please have your teacher advise you whether to participate based on the level requirements above. Teachers are encouraged to contact us if they have any questions.
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If applying, you'll be asked to provide a recent video of your playing and a video of the required excerpt below for your instrument:
Violin | Viola | Cello
Continuing students:
- If you've been invited to participate, proceed to the registration form below.
- If you haven't been invited, please contact us first to discuss.
Faculty Nick Chrisman accompanies a student (Sept 2023)