The last decade has seen an explosion of talent and creativity in all the musical worlds inhabited not only by violin, viola, and cello, but also banjo, mandolin, and related instruments. Young players now view it as their goal to learn jazz and classical as well as bluegrass and various other folk styles. Modern string virtuosos such as Béla Fleck, Mark O'Connor, and Chris Thile have set an enormously high bar in terms of instrumental craft, compositional sophistication, and chamber music and band skills.
This year, Berklee unveils the Acoustic String Festival to recognize these advances. The program will build on the core curriculum of past String Fling programs, teaching improvisation to violin, viola, and cello players, but expanding that teaching to admit other instruments traditionally found in a bluegrass band such as acoustic mandolin and guitar. Players will have the opportunity to study with and be coached by world-renowned mandolinist John McGann, and be trained in musical elements necessary to perform at a high level in a wide range of roots music styles.
Who are the instructors?
- Eugene Friesen–cellist with the Paul Winter Consort and one of the world's greatest improvising cellists.
- Matt Glaser–chair of Berklee's String Department, author of four books on contemporary string styles, and well-known teacher and performer.
- Chris Howes–versatile violinist/composer who has performed and/or recorded with Randy Brecker, Jack DeJohnette, Les Paul, Lenny White, and others.
- John McGann–mandolinist and member of the Wayfaring Strangers, Rust Farm, and Boston Edge. He has performed with Darol Anger, Yoshihiro Arita, John Blake, the Boston Pops, Celtic Fiddle Festival, Seamus Connolly, Paddy Cronin, Séamus Egan, Bill Evans, Bruce Gertz, David Grisman, Martin Hayes, the Time Jumpers, Utah Symphony, and Stefan Wrembel.
- Rob Thomas–fantastic modern jazz violinist and bassist who has performed with the String Trio of New York and the Mahavishnu Project, among others.
What's the schedule?
Each day, your teachers will help you with topics such as harmonic development, sight-reading, rhythmic development in jazz, improvisational considerations, and string quartet coaching. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to perform in one of the college's recital halls, in either solo or quartet settings.
Where will I eat and sleep?
When we have processed your application, you will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing. Most program participants elect to stay in the Berklee residence halls. However, acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. Space is limited. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must return the housing application immediately upon receiving it. To be eligible to live in the residence hall, you must be 15 years of age by the start of the program. If you are applying to the program after mid-June call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 to find out if residence hall space is still available.
