Strings

Private Lessons

Private lessons provide the most effective instruction for learning. Music teachers can design instruction that meets the specific needs and interests of each student. Recommended for all students in grade 4-12.

• 30 minute private lessons: Recommended for all beginner students or students new to lessons

• 45 minutes private lessons: Recommended for intermediate students

• 60 minute private lessons: Recommended for any advanced students.

Semiprivate Lessons

This format provides an economical alternative to private lessons with a class size of two students. Some beginners feel more comfortable learning in pairs. Semiprivate lessons can only be scheduled if two students of the same skill level can be scheduled at the same time with the teacher. Parents and guardians are responsible for pairing students and should only register once they have connected with each other and the teacher to ensure a mutual lesson time. Semiprivate lessons can only be scheduled for a student for the first years of lessons through the program. 

• 30 minute private lessons: Recommended for all beginner students or students new to lessons

• 45 minutes private lessons: Recommended for intermediate students

• 60 minute private lessons: Recommended for any advanced students.

Teachers:

Nancy Kidd has been performing and teaching the double bass for nearly thirty years. A tenured member of the Rhode Island Philharmonic’s double bass section since 2004, she also held the Principal  Bass position with the Albany Symphony from 1995-1998. Mrs. Kidd is an active freelancer in the Greater Boston Area, performing with groups including the Boston Ballet Orchestra, and Cantata Singers of Boston, and spends her summers as a member of the NH Music Festival Orchestra. As a double bass teacher, Mrs. Kidd loves working with students of all ages. She is the double bass teaching associate at Brown University, and has been on the faculties of Northeastern University, Atlantic Union College and Eastern Nazarene College, as well as The Joy of Music Program in Worcester. She is currently an elementary strings teacher in the Canton Public Schools and also maintains a private studio. A graduate of both The Juilliard School, where she earned an Advanced Certificate in Double Bass Performance, and New England Conservatory of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music, Mrs. Kidd’s principal teachers include Orin O’Brien, Donald Palma, Edwin Barker and Lawrence Wolfe. 

Kristina Sharra is a passionate violin teacher who loves helping students discover joy and confidence through music. She began her teaching career in Canton as an elementary school music teacher before joining the Encore program, where she has been teaching for several years. Alongside her work at Encore, Kristina also led a music tutoring program at Berklee College of Music, and she currently holds a music leadership position at Conservatory Lab Charter School. With degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance, as well as a master’s in Violin Performance, Kristina is dedicated to inspiring every student to grow, learn, and love music. 

Oliver Le is a songwriter/producer, pit musician, and educator from Boston, MA. A specialist in all things strings, he is competent in both contemporary and classical styles; Broadway to Bach. Having graduated from the Berklee College of Music studying Songwriting and Production, Oliver has extensive experience working with musicians of all ages and experiences, and teaches with a modern, fun-first perspective. 

Elizabeth Pabon teaches strings at the GMS. She is a talented violin player who performs regularly. She is talented in teaching all strings and has a passion for music!