The Alpert Studio of Voice and Violin

Yehudi Menuhin plays Bach Chaconne Studio students Jessica and Mike Ciao recently took the challenge and contributed their selected recordings. Will you take the challenge too? Listening Challenge Selections: Can you name a famous violinist that performed in each of the following time periods? 1900-1935 1936-1950 1951-1979 and one more for posterity, Alison Krauss, 2007 [...]

High Energy Eclectic Fiddle Fest: Barrage (see Concerts, below) Just a few quick reminders for violin students of the Alpert Studio: Summer Schedule: Violin lessons are scheduled all summer long, with the exception of August 3 – August 14. Additionally, some lessons between August 17-19 may be impacted, however I plan to reschedule those lessons [...]

Mark your calendars! The Alpert Studio Spring ’09 Recital will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 4:00 p.m. All voice and violin students are required to participate. Recital Rehearsal (with piano) will be held on Friday, May 15, between 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. You will be assigned an approximate arrival time at your lesson [...]

Years ago, Melanie and I attended a stunning performance that included our dear friend and peerless cellist John Walz of the Messian masterpiece “A Quartet for the End of Time.” Then just today Melanie’s close friend and internationally acclaimed opera singer Carol Vaness sent us the following story about the same musical work. It arrived [...]

The Alpert Studio, in association with Frish and Denig of Fairfax, Virginia, is proud to offer custom chin rest fitting. A historical first in the string world, this unique fitting process is designed to enhance physical comfort and therefore, technique and sound. The Alpert Studio is proud to be named the only source for this [...]

Hannah Meisser (right) sings at this year’s Rose Parade. Hannah’s float won the President’s Trophy! A gorgeous New Year’s day in Pasadena marked the first appearance of an Alpert Studio student in the illustrious Rose Parade. Student Hannah Meisser was selected to perform on the Sesame Street themed float sponsored by NAMM, the trade association [...]

Malcolm Gladwell introduces Outliers: The Story of Success After hearing the raves, I decided to pick up a copy of Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book: Outliers: The Story of Success. It’s a fascinating work, that traces the the appearance of some of history’s most famous, wealthy and notable people. Early in the book, Mr. Gladwell makes [...]

Having the gift of music in our lives is truly worthy of thanks. Here are three stories that highlight our gratitude. It’s from the “This American Life” series produced by Chicago Public Radio. Listen to the “Music Lessons” Podcast It’s also available as a free download in ITunes. Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Violin lessons will be scheduled as normal over the next two months except as noted: Thanksgiving Week: No lessons December 21-27: No lessons I’ll be available to schedule make-up lessons during these periods. Best Wishes for a joyful Holiday Season to All!

An impressive turnout was complimented by impressive performances on the part of almost 40 participants in this year’s Winter Recital. Congratulations to singers and violinists alike, and thanks to the dedicated families of our accomplished performers. Its rewarding to see the growth of each of our students.