String Masterclass for South Carolina Schools

Varna International is working with school districts and private schools in the Columbia area to organize special FREE events for string students. These will be half-day events with award-winning string players – Levon & Shakhida Ambartsumian from the University of Georgia. The dates are still being finalized for each school district, but each event will be in early-March and will consist of the following activities:

  • String Masterclass – each orchestral teacher will select 2-3 of their students to submit a video audition through our website for consideration to play in a 90-minute masterclass. Our faculty will select which lucky students will perform for the String Masterclass.
  • Group Playing – participating students will be given a piece of music to learn before their school’s event day. Levon Ambartsumian will work with the group on this piece of music for 45 minutes.
  • Special Chamber Performance – Levon & Shakhida Ambartsumian will present a 20-30 minute performance.
  • Q&A – Varna International faculty and staff will be present to answer any questions the students may have about our summer 2025 Youth Instrumental Program.

Each teacher should nominate up to 3 students to be considered for performing in the masterclass. Varna International is providing teachers with the nomination document, which will instruct the student to go on our website to fill out a String Masterclass Interest Form. Once their form is submitted, we will contact them with instructions for submitting their audition video recording.