"At the age of 10 I made the decision that I wanted to study and further my musical career under Claire Allen; however, little did I know that in the process I would gain not only a teacher, but a mentor, role model, and friend, all at the same time. Having worked with Claire for nine years, I am proud to say that I have grown in every way imaginable, from my technique and intonation, to becoming a self-aware and confident musician and young adult."
-Anastasia, 2022 Studio Graduate, now studying neuroscience at Virginia Tech
Committed. Passionate. Hard-working. These are words that describe the students in the Allen Violin Studio. This is a studio for the student who wants to learn all about the violin and the exciting world of music. Students commit to practicing regularly and participate in several performances every year. These students are passionate about learning. They ask questions. They attend concerts and masterclasses. They read books and listen to recordings to further immerse themselves in the musical world. They creatively engage with their repertoire and learn to present it to the public. Students work hard on their lesson assignments, and in doing so, learn that consistent, focused work results in achieving their goals.
Dynamic. Personal. Creative. Lessons in the Allen Violin Studio are tailored specially for each individual student. A general modified-Suzuki curriculum is followed for all students in the beginning and intermediate levels of playing. As a student progresses, a personalized course of training is created with the individual in mind that is designed to build true confidence and passion for music.
The establishment of a secure technical foundation and a physically free way of playing is the first priority of this teacher. All students study a core curriculum of scales, note-reading, and etudes. Some students may learn repertoire quickly and progress through several pieces in a matter of months. Other students may need a slower progression and will benefit from deep learning and focus on one piece over a longer period of time. The student's individual goals set the tone and intensity of the lessons. Performance repertoire is drawn from the Suzuki method books, Music By Black Composers, the Violin Music By Women anthologies, and the Solos for Young Violinists anthologies, as well as concertos, sonatas, and solo pieces from the intermediate and advanced violin repertoire.
The establishment of a secure technical foundation and a physically free way of playing is the first priority of this teacher. All students study a core curriculum of scales, note-reading, and etudes. Some students may learn repertoire quickly and progress through several pieces in a matter of months. Other students may need a slower progression and will benefit from deep learning and focus on one piece over a longer period of time. The student's individual goals set the tone and intensity of the lessons. Performance repertoire is drawn from the Suzuki method books, Music By Black Composers, the Violin Music By Women anthologies, and the Solos for Young Violinists anthologies, as well as concertos, sonatas, and solo pieces from the intermediate and advanced violin repertoire.
Photo by Alice Grabowski of Blue Green Photos
One of the best features of this studio is the community of violinists and their families that has formed over the last ten years. Students form friendships and look forward to seeing their friends at group classes and studio classes, which also help them build ensemble skills and give them a supportive, friendly atmosphere to practice performing in. Commitment to being part of the community is just as essential as commitment to music in this studio!
All students commit to multiple recital performances a year, so the pace of learning is intense yet extremely rewarding. There are also occasional special performance opportunities for students who want to go even more above and beyond - highlights from the last year include four solo recitals, a special Halloween haunted house experience, and a holiday performance at the local public library. Student successes include acceptances to Shenandoah University for a music degree, passing American String Teachers Association Certificate Advancement Program exams with high marks, top school orchestra placements, and awards in the Feder Memorial Strings Competition and the American Protege Competition. |
2024-2025 Studio Recital Schedule
October 26, 2024 In-Person, Ravensworth Baptist Church December 14, 2024 TBD February 22, 2025 In-Person, Ravensworth Baptist Church June 7, 2025 In-Person at Ravensworth Baptist Church New students should read the "Guide for New Violinists and Parents" and can also read testimonials from current and past violin students who have studied with Ms. Allen.
You can also follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram. 
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Student Performances
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