I've recently returned from an exciting weekend workshop in Portland, OR, where I trained a group of local teachers in the Sassmannshaus Tradition for violin playing. We had a wonderful time discussing violin pedagogy and going over the details found in each of the Sassmannshaus Tradition method books. If you're interested in setting up a workshop in your community, please let us know.

Consider giving the gift of music during this holiday season. We have live lessons available on ViolinMasterclass.com, which would make a great gift! If you are in the Cincinnati area, our beginner program Sassmannshaus Tradition has moved to UC Blue Ash and has a few spaces open in violin, viola and cello starting January 14. Reply to this email or call 513-556-2637 for more information.

Bärenreiter has recently released a variety of great violin pieces that would also make for wonderful gift-giving:

Finally, we are happy to announce the 10th anniversary season of the Great Wall International Music Academy will be taking place in Beijing July 16-August 5, 2014. Applications are being accepted now.