WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL OF ATLANTA'S 10th ACADEMIC SEASON!
Join us in Academic Year 2023-24! WINTER SESSION will begin the week of January 22 with Monday and Tuesday evening beginning/intermediate and advanced strings classes. Nestled within the Peachtree Hills community, there is truly something for everyone! Registration closes January 19, 2024. Contact us for more information: lyra.quartet.atl@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: Our location has changed. Classes will now take place at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Atlanta, Georgia.
ABOUT US
Our Story:
Since we began the CMS Strings Program in 2013, our goal has remained to create programs designed to maximize a fun, safe and accessible learning environment for both children and adults. Whether you are just beginning, have put aside your musical aspirations for a time, or are seeking a challenging and creative outlet for your musical goals, there are many levels at The CMS of Atlanta. Since the Spring of 2013, the CMS Strings Program has blossomed from one beginning class to more than 10 uniquely tailored classes for students ranging from novice to advanced. Along with the classes, students are treated to complementary tickets to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concerts, backstage tours, receptions and champagne toasts (for the adults).
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
The Community Music School of Atlanta Strings Program is taught with a unique hands-on approach originally created by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra violinist Judith Cox for the LYRA Academy. Offered through the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Center for Continuing Education from 2013-17, it is a successful strings group learning method drawn from several different sources, including the National Standards-based Expressions Music Curriculum.
This innovative method incorporates both private instruction in a group dynamic, and group instruction in an orchestral setting, to create a cohesive and evenly progressive learning environment. Class sizes are small, allowing frequent one on one contact between students and teacher. Classes are designed for students from completes beginners to intermediate advanced levels.
Instruments taught: Violin, Viola, Violoncello, String Bass.
Please see our current course offerings below for Semester II, which will be a 14-week session.
BEGINNING STRINGS PROGRAM
BEGINNING STRINGS CLASSES
Introduction to the World of Music
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Required Materials for Beginning Strings classes: Orchestra Expressions Book One and/or Two for chosen instrument, chosen instrument, music stand, rosin, pencil.
PLEASE NOTE: All instructional materials and music books are provided as part of tuition. Student must rent his/her own instrument prior to the first class. Options: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass. Any Questions? Just contact us at lyra.quartet.atl@gmail.com
BEGINNING STRINGS I (Adult, Grades 8-12): Get ready to jump in! This level assumes no prior knowledge of a stringed instrument and requires no music background. Students should decide on a chosen instrument prior to the first class.
Course Description: Students learn to read music in the clef of their chosen instrument, while learning the basics of playing a stringed instrument: pizzicato and bowing, penta- and one- octave scales, double stops, rhythmic fundamentals, bow distribution using the whole and parts of the bow, slurs, string crossings, staccato and legato. Students learn the basics of composition through knowledge of notation and musical forms. Students will begin to learn to play in 2, 3, and 4-part harmony, playing in rounds and duets, and learn to follow a conducting beat.
In addition, students become familiar with and perform works drawn from the Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods of classical music as well as a broad spectrum of world folk, pop and other genres of familiar musical styles. Listening skills develop as students begin to recognize different styles through guided listening sessions.
BEGINNING STRINGS II (Adult, Grades 8-12): Prerequisites: This level assumes the student has a some knowledge of his/her chosen instrument: proper position and bow hold, ability to use whole and half bow and read music in the correct clef, to play in the keys of D, A and G on 3 strings with written rhythms.
Course Description: Continuing to work in Orchestra Expressions Book One curriculum material, students learn to play on 3 strings, 3 pentascales and the D major scale, bow distribution using whole, half and quarter bows, slurs, string crossings, staccato and legato articulations, 3/4 time and dotted half notes and rests. Students will begin to play as an ensemble with a conductor's beat, and learn to harmonize and play different parts through the exploration of rounds and canons.
Students become familiar with and perform works drawn from the Baroque and Romantic periods of classical music, as well as a broad spectrum of world folk, pop and other genres of familiar musical styles. Listening skills develop as students begin to recognize different styles and compositional techniques through guided listening sessions.
BEGINNING STRINGS III (Adult, Grades 8-12): Prerequisites: This level assumes the student has a basic knowledge of his/her chosen instrument: proper position and bow hold, ability to play scales using whole and half bow, to read music in the proper key and clef, ability to identify and play written rhythms.
Course Description: Students complete Orchestra Expressions, Book One curriculum material in this class and learn the fundamentals of string orchestra playing. All instrumentalists will master knowledge and familiarity with all four strings; celli and basses learn to play in positions. Chromatic, G, C, E, d, and C pentascales, as well as G and C one-octave scales are covered in this course. Four-part harmony is learned and performed; the group plays together as a string orchestra with conductor now. Many genres of music are covered in this class, both in performance and through developing listening skills.
INTERMEDIATE STRINGS PROGRAM
INTERMEDIATE PREP CLASS
Has it been awhile? This class is for those of us who may have learned a stringed instrument at one time, but may be a bit rusty! Want to jump back in? Join us as we tailor a class to suit your needs.
Areas of focus may include:
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note or clef reading
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bow or instrument hold
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playing in tune or in rhythm
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getting back into a routine
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learning positions
Course Description: Students will study or review Orchestra Expressions, Book One and Two curriculum material covering the fundamentals of string orchestra playing. Additional study material will be provided to address each student's individual needs in a group setting. Unison, Two-, Three- and Four-part harmony is learned and performed; the group plays together as a group. Many genres of music are covered in this class, both in performance and through developing listening skills. Questionnaire at the beginning of the course will identify areas of focus.
COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL (CMS) STRINGS (INTERMEDIATE STRINGS)
If you have played a stringed instrument at one time and want to come back to playing in a fun group setting, then these classes are for you. Students who have completed Orchestra Expressions Book I or equivalent training will be at the level to excel in these classes.
Course Description: The curriculum is selected from Orchestra Expressions Book Two as well as a variety of other sources, to create a solid foundation of string orchestra training and repertoire. Many selections will come from standard chamber orchestra repertoire, as students learn to watch the conductor’s beat, listen to each other for balance, intonation and cohesive ensemble play. Entrance interview for new students.
Ensemble Class--Rounds, Canons and Chamber Music
Has it been awhile, or is it sometimes challenging keeping up in a group setting? This class is for intermediate-advanced level strings students who are eager to improve their reading and ensemble skills while in a group setting. It is designed not only for current CMS Review and CMS Strings students, but also for more advanced students or anyone who wants to jump into string ensemble playing.
Enhanced musical settings on platforms such as Zoom, plus supplemental instructional videos and recorded sessions, are included to make your learning experience the best it can be.
The focus is rounds and rhythmic patterns learned each week that provide an anchor for good ensemble playing. Drawn from progressively challenging material that all instruments learn together or in breakout groups, curriculum is selected from a variety of ensemble and chamber music sources, to create a solid foundation of string ensemble training and repertoire. Many selections will come from standard chamber orchestra repertoire as well as challenging rounds and canons.
ADVANCED STRINGS PROGRAM
ATLANTA COMMUNITY STRING ENSEMBLE (ACSE)
This Intermediate/Advanced group focuses on ensemble skills through the study of chamber music and string orchestra repertoire ranging from high Baroque through early 20th century (TBD, depending upon instrumentation of registrants). Selections are chosen to challenge and stimulate listening skills and nonverbal communication; break-out sessions pair students into smaller groups to facilitate ensemble skills.
Course Description: CMS students who have 3 years of study in the Program or comparable instruction, or students who have established a firm foundation with facility in reading in the keys of up to 3 sharps and 2 flats, rhythmic subdivision, and 2 years or more of orchestral experience, will be at the level to excel in these classes. Entrance interview for new students.
THE COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL OF ATLANTA 2023-24
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
WINTER SESSION 2024
INTERMEDIATE PREP CLASS ​
Monday's
1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29
6:45-7:30 PM
Areas of focus may include:
-
note or clef reading
-
bow or instrument hold
-
playing in tune or in rhythm
-
getting back into a routine
-
learning positions
Course Description: Students will study or review Orchestra Expressions, Book One and Two curriculum material covering the fundamentals of string orchestra playing. Additional study material will be provided to address each student's individual needs in a group setting. Unison, Two-, Three- and Four-part harmony is learned and performed; the group plays together as a group. Many genres of music are covered in this class, both in performance and through developing listening skills. Questionnaire at the beginning of the course will identify areas of focus. Four-part harmony is learned and performed; the group plays together as a string orchestra with conductor now. Many genres of music are covered in this class, both in performance and through developing listening skills.
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Student must rent his/her own instrument prior to the first class. Options: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Fee: $215 (12 Weeks)+ $10 Processing fee REGISTRATION ENDS FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023
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COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL (CMS) STRINGS
(Adults, Grades 8-12)
Monday's
1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29
7:30-8:30 PM
If you have played a stringed instrument at one time and want to come back to playing in a fun group setting, then these classes are for you. Students who have completed Orchestra Expressions Book Two or equivalent training will be at the level to excel in these classes.
The curriculum is selected from Orchestra Expressions Book Two as well as a variety of other sources, to create a solid foundation of string orchestra training and repertoire. Many selections will come from standard chamber orchestra repertoire as well as challenging rounds and canons.
Fee: $250 (12 Weeks)+ $10 Processing fee REGISTRATION ENDS FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023
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ACSE
Tuesday's
1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/27, 3/12, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7
7:30-9:00 PM
This intermediate/advanced level class welcomes students with widely different skill sets into a supportive and challenging learning and performing atmosphere. Enhanced musical settings on platforms such as Zoom, plus supplemental instructional videos and recorded sessions are included to make your learning experience the best it can be. Additional, socially-distanced weekend outdoor sessions will be scheduled.
ACSE will take students through advanced theory and techniques including keys with 4 accidentals and above, higher positions and challenging rhythms and bowing combinations. Selections will be chosen to challenge and stimulate reading skills and apply techniques learned, including: Bach, Grieg, Elgar, Handel, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, John Williams and other varied selections of the string ensemble repertoire. ACSE creates a solid foundation of string orchestra training and repertoire.
Fee: $340 (12 Weeks)+ $10 Processing fee REGISTRATION ENDS FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023
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***All classes and events will be held weekly in person at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Atlanta, Georgia. Masking is optional, students are socially distanced. Included are supplemental instructional videos. As the current health situation continues, we will work with students to provide accommodations for those who need them --for inquiries, please contact us. ***
SCHEDULE
Get ready to jump in with Group String Instrument Instruction! Whether joining in as a complete beginner or refreshing already acquired skills, there is something for everyone.
Enjoy exploring your instrument and new music in a challenging yet fun group environment!
Deadline for registration is *Friday January 19, 2024!*
WINTER SESSION (Academic Year 2023-24):
CMS STRINGS
(Adults and Grades 8-12)
Monday’s,
​1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29
7:30 to 8:30 PM
Fee: $250 (12 Weeks)+ $10 Processing fee
No refunds for withdrawal from a class beyond the first week.
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REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, January 19, 2024
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INTERMEDIATE PREP CLASS
Monday's
1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29
6:45-7:30 PM
Fee: $215 (12 Weeks)+ $10 Processing fee
No refunds for withdrawal from a class beyond the first week.
​
REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, January 19, 2024
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ACSE
Tuesday's
​1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/27, 3/12, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7
7:30-9:00 PM
Fee: $340 (12 Weeks)+ $10 Processing fee
No refunds for withdrawal from a class beyond the first week.
​
REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, January 19, 2024
​
***All classes and events will be held weekly in person at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Atlanta, Georgia. Masking is optional, students are socially distanced. Included are supplemental instructional videos. As the current health situation continues, we will work with students to provide accommodations for those who need them --for inquiries, please contact us. ***
Meet Our Director of Music
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC JUDITH COX has been a member the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) since 1994. Judith came to Atlanta from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and was also Principal Second Violin for one season of the Cleveland- based Ohio Chamber Orchestra. She has been a featured soloist with the Indianapolis and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestras, and in Atlanta with the Spelman/Morehouse/Clarke All City Orchestra and the Gwinnett Philharmonic. Judith performs frequently as a chamber musician throughout the Southeast and annually at the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson, Wyoming.
With husband and fellow ASO violinist Raymond Leung, Judith founded the nonprofit organization LYRA, Inc. in 2000. This string quartet-based arts organization has been a strong educational and community presence in the city of Atlanta for close to 20 years. During this time, the LYRA String Quartet has visited over one hundred schools in eight counties in metropolitan Atlanta, providing chamber music performance, mentoring programs, educational workshops, master classes, scholarships, lessons and fellowship programs to literally thousands of students.
A dedicated educator as well as performing artist, Ms. Cox has served on the faculties of Clayton College and State University, Spelman College, the Hong Kong International Youth Music Camp, the Chamber Music Workshop of the Petrie School of Music in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Madeline Island, Wisconsin Chamber Music Camp, and the Brightstar Chamber Music Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Judith created a unique hands-on group learning method (created originally for the LYRA Academy) which served as the curriculum for the String Program at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Community Music School from 2013-17. As String Ensembles Specialist, Judith guided over 230 students (many with no musical background) from the complete beginning through the intermediate/advanced stages. The "participatory" learning approach welcomed students onstage as well as backstage after ASO concerts, and encouraged student community performances several times a year.
A graduate of Indiana University, Judith has developed her approach to music- making and teaching from the combined artistry of her teachers: Constantin Kiradjieff, Sally Thomas, Ivan Galamian and Franco Gulli.
Meet Our Coaches
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RAYMOND LEUNG is a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s violin section, having held titles both as Section Violin and as Acting Assistant Concertmaster. He is the recipient of the Carolyn McClatchey Endowed Chair, and has served as a Violin Teacher for the ASO' Talent Development Program. He is also a founding member of the LYRA String Quartet, String Quartet in Residence at Clayton College and State University and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Previously, he was First Violinist of the Lockerbie String Quartet, in residence at Butler University and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Other affiliations include the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Chicago Ensemble.
A native of Hong Kong, Leung began his studies with Thomas Wang. His first visit to the United States was on full scholarship to the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan, and he returned to the U.S. two years later, again on a full scholarship to the North Carolina School of the Arts. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from University of Wisconsin at Madison, a Master of Music degree with a Performer’s Certificate from Indiana University at Bloomington, and an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music. His principal teachers have been Vartan Manoogian, Yuval Yaron and David Cerone.
A regular participant of the Grand Teton Music Festival since 1991, Mr. Leung has been a guest artist at the Brightstar Music Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina and has taught at the Madeline Island Chamber Music Camp in Wisconsin, the Chamber Music Workshop at Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and the Hong Kong International Youth Music Camp. Raymond coaches for The CMS of Atlanta frequently, working with violin and viola groups as well as coaching chamber music.
Leung served as Concertmaster of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta during the orchestra's Asian Tour in Hong Kong, La Folle Journee Music Festival in Tokyo and the Spring Music Festival in Shanghai. Leung has recorded for Radio Television Hong Kong and National Public Radio in the United States, as well as orchestrally for many of the ASO's GRAMMY® award-winning recordings and recordings by the LYRA String Quartet.
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JESSICA MESSERE is a classically trained cellist who lives in Atlanta with her partner Ethan, two children Taylor and Claire, and two furry children. Jessica takes her cello named Penelope to teach at Intown Piano & Music studios, The Community Music School of Atlanta, and select students at her private home studio. She also plays in symphonies, small ensembles, recitals, weddings, and in Celli. When not chauffeuring Penelope, she enjoys reading, meditating, yoga, and drinking Kombucha while watching Star Trek or Dr. Who.
Jessica chose to play the cello at 9 years old because she liked the low sounding instrument. She went on to take private cello lessons and participated in youth symphonies like Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) and the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (AYSO). She studied with the late Wolfgang Laufer at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned her Master's degree with Martha Gerschefski at Georgia State University.
She has participated in various recording projects, professional symphonies, international music festivals, and performed solo in masterclasses for famous cellists such as Norman Fisher, Evan Drachman, Hans Jorgen-Jensen, Darrett Adkins, Timothy Eddy, Andres Diaz, and Yo-Yo Ma.
