Masterclasses are group classes where one student at a time stands in front of the group and performs material they have been working on, then receives feedback from either their fellow students or the teacher running the class. These are great opportunities to bring in guest teachers, who can offer new insights to students. Guest teacher masterclasses are open to family members, but closed to the general public, making for a semi-private and less intimidating performance experience. Studio masterclasses are closed to non-performers, creating a safe, judgement-free space where students know everyone listening has been in their shoes.

At studio masterclass, everyone observing is tasked with giving feedback to each performer. They must listen and watch very actively to give constructive criticism. What are a few things the performer does well, and what are a few things they should keep working on? This helps the performer practice playing in front of a group, helping to conquer stage fright and nerves, and it helps the audience develop their attention span, active listening skills, and ability to express their thoughts and convey their musical experiences to their peers in meaningful ways. Ms. Kulzick also works with each student, helping them implement the feedback from the group, as well as providing her own.

Studio masterclasses are wonderful opportunities for students to develop musically, get to know their colleagues in the studio, and have fun. The school year is a challenging time for students to attend extra classes, but monthly studio masterclasses will return in Summer 2024. Students will be notified of school year studio masterclasses and mock auditions via email.

Guest teacher masterclasses are one-off group classes that offer students the opportunity to work with talented teachers and learn from their experience and expertise. In a traditional guest teacher masterclass, each student performs a piece or excerpt they have prepared for the guest teacher and the observers of the class, then gets feedback from and works with the guest teacher for around 15 minutes, gaining new perspective on their playing and new ideas of how to approach their technique or musicality. Participating students are expected to attend the entire class, to learn from their colleagues’ sessions and be a supportive audience for them.

Traditional guest teacher masterclasses have a participation fee (around $30/student). Studio masterclasses and certain guest teacher masterclasses are offered free of charge. Click below to see video from some of our recent studio guest teacher masterclasses.

• August 28th, 2018 - Drew Lecher held a masterclass for students of the Kulzick Violin Studio on Tuesday, August 28th, 2018. The class was held at the Kathryn J. Birkett Freshman Center at Neuqua Valley High School. Below are some clips from the class, and the full masterclass can be found here. Working on crescent bow motion and arm […]
• May 28th, 2018 - Rebecca Matayoshi held a masterclass for students of the Kulzick Violin Studio on Monday, May 28th, 2018. The class was held at The Music and Dance Suite. Below are some clips from the class, and the full masterclass can be found here. Working on dynamic contrast and phrasing   Working on phrasing, up- versus down-bows, […]
• January 9th, 2018 - Drew Lecher held a masterclass for students of the Kulzick Violin Studio on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018. The class was held at the Kathryn J. Birkett Freshman Center at Neuqua Valley High School. Below are some clips from the class, and the full masterclass can be found here. Drilling tricky sixteenth-note passages with different rhythmic […]
• November 2nd, 2017 - Dr. Jeffery held a masterclass for students of the Kulzick Violin Studio on Thursday, November 2nd, 2017. The class was held at the Kathryn J. Birkett Freshman Center at Neuqua Valley High School. Below are some clips from the class, and the full masterclass can be found here. Working on bow control and phrasing   […]
• November 1st, 2016 - R. K. Shriramkumar held a lecture and group demonstration for students in the Kulzick Violin Studio on Tuesday, November 1st, 2016, introducing students to the basics of Carnatic music and Carnatic violin technique. The class was held at the Kathryn J. Birkett Freshman Center at Neuqua Valley High School. Below are some clips from the class, […]