THE PIVOTAL MOMENTS IN VIOLIN/VIOLA TEACHING AND PLAYING
Mimi Zweig, Director and Brenda Brenner, Co-Director
James Przygocki, Sherry Sinift, Elizabeth Zempel
July 5 to 12, 2026
Registration will be open in December 2025!
Welcome to the Jacobs School of Music Retreat for Violin and Viola Teachers 2026. This summer we will be focusing on THE PIVOTAL MOMENTS in Violin/Viola Teaching and Playing integrating the principles of Suzuki, Rolland and Mimi Zweig. This journey will begin with the first lessons and continue through intermediate and advanced repertoire.
Beautiful Beginnings
- Set up, pre-Twinkle
- Suzuki Book One highlights and supplemental repertoire
- Group Lessons
- Note reading basics + early scales + etudes
Timely Transitions
- Suzuki Book Two and Three highlights and supplemental repertoire
- Etudes and Scales
- Shifting and Vibrato
Inspiring Intermediates
- Suzuki Book Four – Six highlights and supplemental repertoire including viola repertoire
- Modifying the basic bow strokes
- Introducing advanced bow strokes
- Etudes and the introduction of 3 octave scales
Advancing toward Artistry
- Nuance + Style
- Bach A Minor Concerto
- Stepping stones to major concertos
- Kreisler Praeludium and Allegro, Vitali Chaconne and more
- Etudes: Kreutzer and Beyond
You will be immersed in lectures, classes, observation of String Academy teaching and student master classes, student concerts, the Retreat Notebook which contains invaluable teaching information, and a combination of 3 hours of either your own individual private lessons, mini master classes, and/or String Academy faculty observing your teaching.
The course will begin the evening of July 5th and end the afternoon of July 12th.
For questions about the workshop including curriculum and scheduling, please contact Brenda Brenner:
E-mail: bbrenner@iu.edu
For information regarding applications, fees, and any other administrative issues, please contact the Jacobs Academy Office: E-mail: musicsp@indiana.edu
Phone: 812-855-6025
Campus Address: 200 Eagleson Ave (Simon Building)