Outside inspiration for students
Play More!
Getting to play with other students is always a wonderful motivator. Whether it is the camaraderie that one often feels as part of an orchestra section or chamber ensemble, or the friendly competition that sometimes takes place when determining seating order in an orchestra, students often feel much more inclined to put in the practice time when they get to play with others! In addition to private lessons, students are strongly encouraged to participate in school orchestra programs, and, if possible, extra-curricular musical ensembles.
Elementary school-aged students in the Santa Monica school district are eligible to participate in Elemental Strings, a local youth orchestra for beginning and intermediate students.
Older and more advanced students may be interested in other musical activities during the school year, and possibly also summer music festivals. Youth orchestras such as those at the Colburn School, as well as American Youth Symphony, are wonderful options. Chamber music is also strongly encouraged, whether it be formally organized through programs at the Colburn School or Junior Chamber Music, or in a more casual setting.
Here are a few links to consider:
Summer music camps and festivals:
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Listening to music
Another way to keep students excited about music is to attend concerts. There is nothing like hearing a live performance, and getting to watch the artists at work. In Los Angeles, there are performances of every kind, from solo recitals, to chamber music and symphonic concerts. Some organizations, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, even have concerts geared towards children! Here is just a sampling of the musical offerings this town has!