What takes place at ESVG

ESVG gatherings are weekend events, from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.

ESVG gatherings share many things in common with a typical weekend Suzuki workshop, but have other aspects that are uniquely “viola”.

The weekend typically includes:

• A focus on group experience and activities, rather than on individual achievement.
• Viola group classes for Suzuki viola students. A review list of Suzuki repertoire is distributed before the Gathering, and worked on in depth during the group classes.
• Viola ensemble classes at various levels, including an ensemble for non-readers, “meet the viola” classes for beginning players, and “viola for violinists” classes.
• All attendees are encouraged to participate in sessions that correspond to their level of experience. We encourage anyone who owns a viola or can borrow one to bring it and play during the weekend.
• Seminars, given by Suzuki teachers, are open to all interested attendees.
• Demonstrations by a viola-maker and a bow maker, as well as other booths of interest to Suzuki violists.
• Saturday evening viola recital. It is becoming an ESVG tradition that this recital features fine, local artists.
• Meetings and discussions among teachers and parents.
• Lots of informal discussion, opportunities to meet other violists, community building…