NESMS New Strings for All Workshops & Masterclasses


North East string players of all ages and abilities are signing up to the highly popular summer Strings for All workshops and masterclasses at NESMS in Aberdeen.

Strings for All will be held from July 29 to August 2 this year at the renowned North East of Scotland Music School, Huntly Street, Aberdeen. More than half the places have already been filled.

Distinguished violin tutor, Adam Phillips, has developed Strings for All in response to the need for a multi-disciplined strings event that includes classical violin and viola, as well as traditional and jazz fiddle. Players will get the opportunity to learn and interpret solo repertoire as well as the skills required for improvisation.

Strings for All is an exciting and unique musical venture for Aberdeen as regular multi genre violin masterclasses/workshops of this standard, scale and diversity are normally held in larger cities such as Glasgow and London.

Adam Phillips has developed his own personal practice of string tutoring which yields outstanding results in both performance and in exams.

As Adam pointed out, “The main driver behind Strings for All is that they should contribute to transforming string playing in just one to three days. We can achieve  this by combining facets of French violin technique and mindfulness.”

“Previous students have felt that their playing has improved greatly and are much more relaxed and confident when they play. Also, I could not think of a better venue than NESMS. I was taught here as a youngster and I am still very much in awe of the School.”

Each day of the workshops will target a different age and level of playing. As well as focusing on technique and ensemble work, there will be a strong emphasis on individual repertoire taught in a person-centred and reflective manner.

Adam added, “I use this approach when I tutor weekly and I see my students’ overall confidence grow week upon week. Reflection and mindfulness, whilst playing, increases self-esteem. It also helps students’ regain control when they become nervous playing in front of others.

Both the content and the manner in which the workshops are delivered, makes Strings for All a unique and unmissable music making event.

Joan Thomas of NESMS commented, “Nesms are delighted to maintain their high standard of music tuition by partnering with Adam Phillips and bringing these unique strings workshops and masterclasses to the city. We’re sure they will be a huge success for all!”