2025 Advanced Honors Masterclasses 

Violin, Viola, Cello

Saturday, March 15, 2025

11:00am-11:45am

Application Deadline: Friday, February 14th

Notifications Sent: Week of February 24th 

HASA is excited to present the following guest clinicians:

Violin 

Dr. Laurie Scott, Associate Professor of Music and Human Learning

Director, The University of Texas at Austin String Project

The University of Texas at Austin

Masterclass Location: Grant Hall 122

Professor Benny Kim, Associate Professor of Violin

The University of Missouri, Kansas City-Conservatory (UMKC)

Masterclass Location: Grant Recital Hall

Viola

To be announced.

Masterclass Location: Grant Recital 222

Cello

Professor Michael Mermagan, Professor of Music, Cello

The University of Missouri, Kansas City-Conservatory (UMKC)

Masterclass Location: Grant Hall 330

Information for Observers

Students participating in the Intermediate and Advanced Chamber Orchestra Programs have time built into their schedule to observe these masterclasses. Performers in the masterclasses are also invited to bring guests. Audience members should plan to be attentive listeners and help avoid distractions for the performers. Small children may benefit from having a book or quiet activity should they become restless, and we encourage parents to step outside to calm younger siblings who may need a moment before they are ready to return and listen quietly.

Information for Students Interested in Performing

Students Who Can Apply

• Students enrolled in the Chamber Orchestra Program can indicate their interest in performing when they register, but they must register for the Chamber Orchestra Program by February 14th so they can be considered for the Advanced Honors Masterclass. If students are selected to perform in a masterclass, there is no additional cost. Students who are eligible for the Chamber Orchestra Program include:

VIOLIN students at a level to play La Folia by Corelli or higher (Suzuki Book 5+)

VIOLA students at a level to play Viola Concert in G Major by Telemann or higher (Suzuki Book 4+)

CELLO students at a level to play Sonata in C Major, Op. 40, No. 1 by Bréval or higher (Suzuki Book 4+) 

• Students who study with a Heart of America Suzuki Association (HASA) teacher and are in Suzuki Book 8+ (violin) and Suzuki Book 7+ (viola and cello) can apply to participate in JUST the Advanced Honors Masterclass. It is free to apply, but you must do so by February 14th at this link. If you are selected to perform, you will be asked to register for just the masterclass, which costs $35. Immediately after the masterclass, you are invited to attend a short concert by the UMKC Graduate String Quartet in Grant Hall Atrium as you exit.

How the 2025 Masterclasses Will Work

• All applications are due by February 14th. The applications will be reviewed the next day, and all students who apply will be notified the week of February 24th.
• The students who will be selected to perform will be the students who apply who are performing the most advanced repertoire. Depending on the length of repertoire, there will be approximately 4 violin, 2 viola, and 2 cello students total selected to perform in the masterclasses.
• Each masterclass will last for 45-min, with approximately two performers playing during that time. 
• Students in the Intermediate Program and the Chamber Orchestra Program, along with their parents, will be scheduled to observe these masterclasses, if they choose.
• Performers are be responsible for providing their own accompanist, who will need to be available on Saturday, March 15 from 11:00-11:45am.
• Students should plan all rehearsals with their accompanist before March 15th, as there will not be rehearsal space on the day of the masterclass.
• Students in the Chamber Orchestra Program who are selected to perform in an Advanced Honors Masterclass will have 20-minutes before the class to change in their performance attire, if they choose, and warm-up.
• Students often choose to dress more formally (casual business attire) when performing in something like the Advanced Honors Masterclasses. Talk with your teacher if you have questions about what might work best for your child.