Learn & Engage

For Music Students

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Adult Strings Classes

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Symphony School is proud to offer Adult Strings lessons for musicians of all skill levels! These classes are taught by the Symphony School’s professional instructors. The environment of our Adult Strings Classes is laid back and friendly. We want you to have fun while receiving high-quality instruction!

hso adult strings class

Our Classes Broken Down by Skill-level

Adult Strings Concert

This is the event where you get to show off your new skills from your classes. Please note that participants must provide instruments and a music stand.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

at The Cooper House at
405 Randolph Avenue, Huntsville, 7:30 p.m.

About the Faculty

Charles Hogue is a native of New Mexico, studied at the Mannes College of Music with Paul Doctor and Li-kuo Chang while playing in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Before moving to Huntsville, he was a member of the El Paso Symphony and other orchestras in the southwest. He is currently the Principal Violist of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and maintains a large private studio.

Bethany Wing is a violin and viola teacher in Madison, Alabama. She also instructs Novice Strings with the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. She has a BMUS in Music Education from the University of Georgia and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Tennessee Tech University.

How To Enroll

To register for Adult Strings Classes, register below.

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Master Classes

Each season, select world-class guest artists performing with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra are invited to present Master Classes for the benefit of area music students. These events are open to the public, FREE of charge. Master Classes provide the rare opportunity for students to work with masters of the musical craft, and for observers to enjoy high-quality student performances and ‘open lessons’ with the artists. Master Classes are highlights of our concert season, and we’d love to have you join us for the experience!

Presented in memory of Harry E. and Mabry B. Miller

2023 - 2024 Master Classes:

Thursday, September 21, 2023 – 4:00
Josh Holritz, Violin

Friday, January 19, 2024 – 4:00
Christie Weber, Soprano

Friday, February 9, 2024 – 4:00
Gábor Varga, Clarinet

Friday, April 12, 2024 – 4:00
Gilles Vonsattel, Piano

If you have any questions regarding these events, please contact the Director of Education, Sharon Hicks, by email at sharon@hso.org or by phone at 256-539-4818.

hso master class

Symphony School

What to Know About HSO Symphony School

Fees and tuition are due before the first day of instruction and are payable at registration or before the first day. The Symphony School is dedicated to providing instruction to every student who is interested in learning. Financial aid information is available from the office.

Registration for private and semi-private instruction is for a 15-week semester. Tuition is due on or before the first day of instruction. Payment may be made in installments if needed. Accounts must be paid in full before registering for additional instruction. Payments may be made by cash, check, or major credit card. If you need other payment information, please contact the Director of Education at 256-539-4818 or email sharon@hso.org.

For special circumstances or financial aid information, please contact the Director of Education at (256) 539-4818 or sharon@hso.org.

For the safety of minors as well as adults, we ask that parents remain in the room while the lesson, whether private or semi-private, is taking place.

Students’ lesson time is set at a specific time. Please make sure your child arrives a few minutes early so that he/she may have time to get unpacked and ready for the lesson. Make sure your child is prepared when he/she arrives. This means having their music book, pencil, instrument, and, of course, a smile!

We love teaching your child!  We love it even more when we can spend lesson time instructing and learning uninterrupted. If a discipline issue arises, we will deal with it during the lesson time. However, we would also hope to work with you, the parent, on how best to handle your child if a situation occurs.

Tuition covers 15 weeks of instruction (weekly lessons). There will be a regular time scheduled and reserved for your lessons each week. 

  • If an emergency causes the regular instructor to miss a class or lesson, without providing a substitute instructor, the lesson will be made up. 
  • Because of the number of students a single instructor has and their very set schedule, if you miss a group lesson due to sickness, it will not be made up. 
  • If schools close for weather or any other reason, all lessons for that day will be canceled. Lessons canceled for weather will be made up according to the instructor’s schedule.

100% of tuition (less 10%) will be refunded if withdrawal is received before the first day of class:

75% of the tuition (less 10%) will be refunded if withdrawal is received by:

NO REFUND for withdrawals after

After-school Classes

Fun with Violins (Level I)

Students are introduced to basic violin technique, forming proper violin and bow holds, separate bowing, and rhythms.

Adagio (Level II)

Student must have completed Fun with Violins class, HSO’s Third Grade Violin Program, or Violin Summer Camp. A continuation of the third-grade program with a focus on beginning tone production, consecutive fingering, and separate bowing. Introduction to note reading.

Allegro (Level III)

Students must have completed the Adagio Class. Introduces more bowing techniques, beginning note reading, scales, and note values. 

Presto (Level IV)

Students must have completed the Allegro Class. Introduces new key signatures, times signatures, dotted rhythms, and dynamics. Intermediate note reading and introduction to music theory.

Vivace (Level V)

Student must have completed the Presto Class. Introduces hooked and staccato bowings, high/low 2nd and 3rd fingers, bowing double notes with wrist action, and string crossing slurs. Advanced note reading and intermediate music theory.

Private Lessons

Get a more personal education experience with HSO private lessons. Private lessons are offered as 15-week semesters to music students 6 and up! Private lessons allow students to get the training they need and have the undivided attention of their instructor. When enrolled in lessons, please check the Symphony School Calendar for holidays and special events that may conflict with lesson times. All information about attendance, payments, withdrawal, etc. can be found in the Symphony School Policies. 

For more information on or to get enrolled in private lessons please email our Director of Education, Sharon Hicks. sharon@hso.org

Semi-private Classes

Two to seven students meet once a week for forty-five minutes. Students are grouped by age and ability.  If only one student is registered for a class, the lesson time changes from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. 

For more information on or to get enrolled in semi-private lessons please email our Director of Education, Sharon Hicks. sharon@hso.org

Student Registration Form

Faculty

Ariana Arcu – Private Cello Instruction

Wendy Corron – Third Grade Violin Program, After School and Private Violin Instruction

Jacob Frank – Third Grade Violin Program

Mark Huff – Third Grade Violin Program

Kristi Kargic – Third Grade Violin Program and Private Violin Instruction

Joseph Lester – Albertville Kinder Program and After School Program

Chris McDonald – Third Grade Violin Program, After School Instruction

Karen Mades – Third Grade Violin Program, After School Instruction

Susan Sadler – Third Grade Violin Program, Private Violin Instruction

Susan Mullen – Adult Horizon Chamber Orchestra

Bethany Wing – Adult String Class Instruction

Rental Resources

Students must provide their own instruments for all private and semi-private lessons. If you are looking to rent the following sources may be helpful:

Huntsville Violins, Huntsville – 256.881.2863
Emiron Music, Decatur – 256.353.0772
Fret Shop, Huntsville – 256.539.8709
Hallman’s Music, Huntsville – 256.830.2303
Huntsville Strings Shop – 256.213.9977

Contact Information

The Symphony School
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 2400
Huntsville, AL 35804-2400

Sharon Hicks, Director of Education
sharon@hso.org

Phone: 256-539-4818
Fax: 256-539-4819

Young Artists Auditions

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Auditions provide an opportunity to perform in a public forum and give recognition to dedicated young musicians for their talent and accomplishments. YAA is a contest-format recital where these musicians showcase their skills. The qualified panel will then decide on a musician to perform before the FREE Family Concert. As well as 2 runner-ups who are recognized for their achievements. 

Registration for the 2024 Young Artists Auditions will be available soon.

young artist auditions

Third-grade Violin Program

With the Third-Grade Violin Program, the HSO brings music education to schools in the Huntsville and Madison area. Click here to learn more.

For further information about acquiring any of these programs for your school, or homeschool group, please contact the Symphony School Director at 256-539-4818 or sharon@hso.org.