Bringing high-quality violin education directly to local schools through engaging after-school music programs.

Program Overview

Our Mission

Squam Ridge School of Music is dedicated to enriching the Lakes Region and White Mountains communities of New Hampshire through accessible, high-quality music education, meaningful performance opportunities, collaborative ensembles, and cultural education that fosters creativity, connection, and lifelong engagement with the arts.

The After-School Strings Program brings high-quality violin education directly into local schools, making string instruction accessible to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn an instrument. Through engaging ensemble experiences, sequential instruction, and creative musicianship, the program provides a strong foundation for lifelong participation in music.

Curriculum

The Squam Ridge Beginning Strings Curriculum is a comprehensive, sequential course of study developed specifically for beginning violin students in elementary school. Carefully designed and refined through years of private teaching, classroom instruction, ensemble directing, and educational program development, the curriculum provides students with a strong technical and musical foundation while maintaining an engaging, creative, and enjoyable learning experience.

Designed primarily for students approximately 7–11 years of age, the curriculum follows a full academic year through the fall and spring school semesters. While this age range serves as a general guideline, placement may vary based on each student’s readiness and the needs of participating schools.

Throughout the year, students gradually develop:

• Instrument care and responsibility
• Bow hold and bow control
• Left-hand technique and finger placement
• Music reading and note recognition
• Rhythm and pulse
• Ear training and listening skills
• Ensemble playing and teamwork
• Musical expression and creativity
• Body awareness and posture
• Performance confidence and stage presence

Instruction is carefully sequenced so that each new concept builds naturally upon previously learned skills, allowing students to experience consistent success while developing confidence, independence, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

The curriculum culminates in informal performances that celebrate each student’s progress while introducing the excitement and rewards of making music together.

Class Size

To ensure every student receives meaningful individual attention while benefiting from collaborative learning, enrollment is intentionally limited.

• Ideal class size: 8–12 students
• Maximum enrollment: 15 students

These smaller class sizes allow instructors to provide individualized feedback while maintaining an engaging, interactive ensemble environment where every student has the opportunity to participate, perform, and succeed.

Program Goals

Students will:

• Develop beginning violin technique.
• Learn to read music and understand rhythm.
• Build listening and ensemble skills.
• Develop confidence through performance.
• Experience collaborative music-making.
• Discover pathways for continued musical study.
• Enrich the community and expand opportunities for personal growth.
• Have access to free high-quality string music instruction.

Why Learn a String Instrument?

Learning to play the violin is about much more than learning notes and rhythms. Music education helps children develop a wide range of skills that support success both in and beyond the classroom.

Through regular practice and ensemble participation, students develop physical coordination, fine motor skills, body awareness, and spatial understanding. They learn to recognize patterns, solve problems, think creatively, and develop a critical ear through careful listening and observation.

Music also strengthens important academic and life skills, including reading, concentration, memory, organization, perseverance, and self-discipline. Playing in an ensemble encourages teamwork, communication, responsibility, leadership, and respect for others while fostering confidence through shared musical achievement.

Beyond these practical skills, music provides a powerful means of creative expression. Students explore music from many cultures and historical periods while learning to communicate ideas and emotions through performance. For many young musicians, music also becomes a healthy outlet for creativity, focus, relaxation, and stress reduction.

Decades of educational research have shown that participation in music education can support cognitive development, strengthen memory, improve executive functioning, and contribute to overall academic success. While every child is unique, the benefits of learning music often extend far beyond the rehearsal room, helping students develop skills and habits that serve them throughout their lives.

Why We Begin with Violin

The After-School Strings Program begins with violin as the foundational instrument in a carefully planned, long-term string education program.

Beginning with violin allows students to develop the core skills shared by all string players, including posture and movement, bow and left-hand technique, note reading, rhythm, listening, ensemble playing, musicianship, as well as the acoustics of a bowed string instrument. By establishing a strong foundation of young violinists, students gain the confidence and experience needed to become leaders within future string ensembles.

As the initiative grows, Squam Ridge School of Music plans to expand offerings to include viola, cello, chamber music, and full string orchestra experiences. This phased approach creates a sustainable pathway for students while ensuring that every participant receives high-quality instruction and meaningful ensemble opportunities.

Benefits for Schools

The After-School Strings Program provides schools with an opportunity to expand educational and enrichment offerings through a high-quality, professionally designed music program that supports student growth both inside and outside the classroom.

A High-Quality Educational Partnership

Squam Ridge School of Music provides experienced instructors, a carefully developed curriculum, educational materials, and program administration, allowing schools to offer meaningful music education with minimal administrative burden.

Accessible Music Education

Many students are interested in learning an instrument but lack access to private instruction or school music programs. The After-School Strings Program introduces students to violin in a welcoming and supportive environment while creating a pathway for continued musical study.

Supports Student Development

Music education reinforces many of the skills students use every day in school, including:

• Listening and communication
• Concentration and attention to detail
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Responsibility and self-discipline
• Creativity and self-expression
• Confidence through goal setting and achievement

Builds School Community

Ensemble music-making encourages students to work together toward common goals while developing friendships across grade levels. Performances provide opportunities for families, teachers, and the broader community to celebrate student achievement.

A Sustainable Program

The After-School Strings Program is designed as a long-term educational partnership. Students who wish to continue their musical journey have opportunities to participate in private lessons, musicianship classes, string ensembles, summer camps, and eventually community orchestra experiences through Squam Ridge School of Music. Some students may go on to attend music college or conservatory, becoming the next generation of performing artists, professional musicians, and instructors. All students will carry their musical experiences with them through their lifetime.

Designed to Minimize School Burden

Our goal is to make participation as simple as possible for schools. Squam Ridge School of Music provides instruction, curriculum, educational resources, and program coordination while working closely with school staff to ensure smooth implementation.

Through grants, donations, and community partnerships, we strive to provide this program at little or no direct cost to participating schools whenever possible.

Why Partner with Squam Ridge School of Music?

We believe music education should be accessible, sequential, and community-centered. Rather than offering a one-time enrichment activity, we provide students with a clear pathway for continued musical growth—from their very first violin class through ensembles, summer camps, advanced study, and lifelong participation in music.

Funding

The After-School Strings Program is designed to remove financial barriers that often prevent schools from offering high-quality music education. Our goal is to make beginning string instruction accessible to every interested student, regardless of a school’s budget or a family’s financial circumstances.

Squam Ridge School of Music actively seeks support through grants, charitable donations, community partnerships, and sponsorships to help offset the costs of instruction, curriculum materials, instruments, and educational resources.

Our long-term vision is to provide participating schools with a sustainable, high-quality after-school music program at little or no direct cost to the school whenever possible.

Community support allows us to:

• Provide professional music instructors
• Rent or purchase and maintain student instruments
• Supply instructional materials and sheet music
• Offer scholarships and financial assistance
• Expand programming to additional schools throughout the region

Schools, businesses, foundations, and individuals interested in supporting music education are invited to partner with Squam Ridge School of Music in helping bring meaningful musical opportunities to children throughout our community.

Our Vision for the Future

With continued community support, the After-School Strings Program will grow beyond beginning violin instruction to include:

• Viola and cello instruction
• School-based string ensembles
• Summer music camps
• Youth chamber music
• Scholarships for private lessons
• Community performances
• A pathway into lifelong musicianship

Our goal is to create a sustainable string education program that allows students to begin learning in elementary school and continue developing as musicians for many years. While some students will go on to study at music colleges and conservatories, eventually becoming professional musicians, educators, and artists, every student will leave with something equally lasting: a lifelong appreciation for music and the skills, confidence, and experiences it provides.

Contact

Shelby Trevor, Artistic and Educational Director & Co-Founder
603-800-3690
shelby.trevor@squamridgeschoolofmusic.org

Noelle Beaudin, Executive Director & Co-Founder
603-677-6537
noelle.beaudin@squamridgeschoolofmusic.org