String classes for students 6+

Violin, viola, cello and bass for young students who can read, from the very first note through two years of intermediate playing, in Sequim and Port Angeles.

Young beginners seated in rows playing violin from music stands in a Sequim class

Where these classes lead

  1. Year 1

    Beginner Strings

    First notes and first music reading. New beginners start in the fall.

  2. Years 2–3

    Intermediate Strings

    Build real command of the instrument.

  3. Years 4+

    Youth Orchestra

    Full orchestral music with peers.

Your teachers

Amber Roskamp smiling with her violin

Amber Roskamp

Sequim Beginner and Intermediate Strings

Amber comes highly recommended from teaching elementary orchestra in the Port Angeles School District and has her Master of Music from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. We are more than lucky to welcome her to the team!

Jesse Ahmann playing the cello

Jesse Ahmann

Port Angeles Beginner and Intermediate Strings

Jesse is an eminently skilled cellist and bass player who performs regularly as a professional musician with groups across a wide range of genres. He has 15 years of experience teaching orchestra students in schools, camps and private lessons, and his skill in composition and arranging lets him bring students' favorite music to life in class.

Schedule & joining

Term dates, days off and every class are on the Classes page.

Beginner Strings · Sequim

Ages 6–12 · Experience: New–1 yr · Teacher: Amber Roskamp
When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:30–5:15pm (45 minutes)
Fall: New students start Winter: Continuing students only · new students join in Fall Spring: Continuing students only · new students join in Fall

Intermediate Strings · Sequim

Ages 7–12 · Experience: 1–3 yrs · Teacher: Amber Roskamp
When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30–4:15pm (45 minutes)
Prerequisite: 1–2 years of our classes, school classes, or private lessons.
Fall: Open with skills Winter: Open with skills Spring: Open with skills

Beginner Strings · Port Angeles

Ages 6–12 · Experience: New–1 yr · Teacher: Jesse Ahmann
When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30–4:15pm (45 minutes)
Fall: New students start Winter: Continuing students only · new students join in Fall Spring: Continuing students only · new students join in Fall

Intermediate Strings · Port Angeles

Ages 7–12 · Experience: 1–3 yrs · Teacher: Jesse Ahmann
When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:30–5:15pm (45 minutes)
Prerequisite: 1–2 years of our classes, school classes, or private lessons.
Fall: Open with skills Winter: Open with skills Spring: Open with skills

6+ Beginners · Sequim (Holiday Session only)

Students 6–13 learning strings · Experience: New–1 yr · Teacher: Amber Roskamp
When: Wednesdays, 4:30–5:20pm (50 minutes) · Dec 2, 9, 16
Prerequisite: Already started violin, viola, cello or bass (current Beginner Strings students, or similar experience).
Holiday Session: Open with skills
Holiday Session details and registration

Intermediate & Youth Orchestra · Sequim (Holiday Session only)

Intermediate and advanced, ages 7–13, plus adult students with appropriate skills · Experience: 1+ yrs · Teacher: Christine Faught
When: Mondays, 4:30–5:45pm (75 minutes) · Nov 30, Dec 7, 14
Prerequisite: Intermediate skills on a string instrument.
Holiday Session: Open with skills
Holiday Session details and registration

Questions families ask

Who are these classes for?
Beginner and intermediate students, in both Port Angeles and Sequim. Students who can’t read yet, or can’t yet do focused work for 30 minutes, should join our Sprouts classes instead.
My child is 6 or 7. Should they join a 6+ Beginner class or Suzuki Sprouts?
The two overlap on purpose, so each child can join the group that fits them best, whatever their age. 6+ Beginner classes teach violin, viola, cello or bass and start reading music right away, so they suit children who can read and are ready to focus for about 30–45 minutes. Suzuki Sprouts gently introduces violin through songs, games and movement, with parents taking part in every class, and is a great fit for children who aren’t reading yet or who do best with short, active activities. Not sure? Email the registrar and we’ll help you decide.
When are classes?
Twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, after school (see Schedule & joining for times and places). Port Angeles students who want extra support for their school orchestra classes may choose to come once a week.
When can my student start?
The classes build through the year, so students with no musical background should join in the fall and plan to stay the whole year. Students switching instruments, or with school or private-lesson experience, may join mid-year or mid-term if there’s room.
How long will my student be in these classes?
About a year in Beginner Strings, then about two years mastering the basics in Intermediate Strings.
Is my student too skilled for this group?
Students who have finished at least 3 years of classes (ours or school orchestra) or private lessons are likely ready for Youth Orchestra. High school students are likely ready for the Sequim Community Orchestra.
How much does it cost?
$150 per term, with three terms a year (Fall, Winter and Spring) plus an optional Holiday Session; see Schedule & joining for dates. Scholarships are available, and no student is turned away for inability to pay.

Read before you register

Questions about registration? Email our registrar. registrar@sequimcommunityorchestra.org