Welcome to The String Connection’s new academic year! We’ve reorganized and expanded our offerings to provide a comprehensive musical education experience. This page details all available programs, optional components, and associated costs, making it easy for parents and students to navigate and select the best fit for their needs.
The String Journey Music Education Program
NEW ACADEMIC YEAR
Fall 2024
to
Spring 2025
THE UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE STRING JOURNEY PROGRAM INCLUDE
LEVEL 1
Emerging Talent
Target Audience: Beginners or those new to structured music education.
Duration: 9 months (Academic Year)
Schedule: August 26, 2024 – May 16, 2025
Location: In-person sessions, Zoom Video Conferencing, FaceTime
Tuition: Email Us About Cost
Features:
- 32 private lessons (30 minutes each)
- Access to 1 master class per semester with visiting artists
- 2 recital performance opportunities
- 2 studio classes per year (one per semester)
LEVEL 2
Developing Virtuoso
Target Audience: Intermediate students looking to deepen their expertise.
Duration: 9 months (Academic Year)
Schedule: August 26, 2024 – May 16, 2025
Location: In-person sessions, Zoom Video Conferencing, FaceTime
Tuition: Email Us About Cost
Features:
- 32 private lessons (45 minutes each)
- Access to 1 master class per semester with visiting artists
- 2 recital performance opportunities
- 4 studio classes per academic year (2 per semester)
LEVEL 2
Developing Virtuoso
Target Audience: Intermediate students looking to deepen their expertise.
Duration: 9 months (Academic Year)
Schedule: August 26, 2024 – May 16, 2025
Location: In-person sessions, Zoom Video Conferencing, FaceTime
Tuition: Email Us About Cost
Features:
- 32 private lessons (45 minutes each)
- Access to 1 master class per semester with visiting artists
- 2 recital performance opportunities
- 4 studio classes per academic year (2 per semester)
LEVEL 3
Young Artist
Target Audience: Advanced students preparing for college auditions or professional careers.
Duration: 9 months (Academic Year)
Schedule: August 26, 2024 – May 16, 2025
Location: In-person sessions, Zoom Video Conferencing, FaceTime
Tuition: Email Us About Cost
Features:
- 60-minute weekly lessons (32 lessons per academic year)
- Studio classes (two per semester)
- Two formal recitals each academic year
- Guest masterclasses with soloists and top music school teachers
- Video and text support between lessons
- College counseling and application support
- Rehearsals with a professional collaborative pianist (extra fee)
- Professional video production services for audition and competition videos (additional fees)
- One-on-one training and competition preparation
- Creation of a music clip/arts supplement for college applications
- Monthly Q&A sessions with parents
- Level 3 Benefits:
- Confidence in presenting and performing musical ideas
- Comfort in auditions, performances, and competitions
- Effective time management between music and academic responsibilities
- Guidance in school and career decisions
- Level 3 Goals:
- Balance academic load while preparing for music school auditions
- Elevate violin playing to new heights for a future in music
- Engage with a community of like-minded peers
- Continue improving skills during transitional periods between academic programs
SUMMER
Summer Sessions
Target Audience: All levels and students are required to participate in the summer sessions.
Duration: A minimum of 10 flexible lessons
Schedule: June – July – August
Location: In-person sessions, Zoom Video Conferencing, FaceTime
Tuition: Billed separately Email Us About Cost
SUMMER
Summer Sessions
Target Audience: All levels and students are required to participate in the summer sessions.
Duration: A minimum of 10 flexible lessons
Schedule: June – July – August
Location: In-person sessions, Zoom Video Conferencing, FaceTime
Tuition: Billed separately Email Us About Cost
BENEFITS
General Benefits for All Program Levels
- Participation in the annual Desert Roots Rising Stars Festival and Suzuki Camp
- Instrument selection assistance with local music stores
- Individual free consultation to discuss needs and aspirations
- Flexible monthly payment plans
ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION
Program Duration: August 26, 2024 – May 16, 2025
Location: In-person sessions, Zoom Video Conferencing, FaceTime
Enrollment and Contact Information:
- Trial Lessons: Schedule a trial lesson (in-person or online) or inquire about rates by contacting sghoukasianmusic@gmail.com
- Booking: Reach out to Shakeh Ghoukasian for lessons or coaching sessions.
Registration: Interested in joining our program?
Have the following information available and submit your:
REGISTRATION FORM
with the following details:
- Student Full Name, Age, Grade, Birthday
- Instrument and Suzuki Book Level or equivalent
- Lesson length requested (30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes)
- Number of Years Studied
- School Name and Grade
- Membership in local youth orchestra or other ensembles
- Participation in summer programs, festivals, or competitions
- Private Teacher’s Name and Contact Information
- Parent and Student Contact Information
- Emergency Contact Information
Shakeh Ghoukasian
Violinist, Teacher & Pedagogue
I have been teaching pre-college and college students for the past 35 years. My high-achieving students, who have gone on to prestigious music schools and academic institutions, have taught me the value of time management and how music becomes their path to successful academic achievements. While traditional approaches focus on technique, repertoire, and upcoming audition pieces, I have discovered the need to spend more personal quality time with each student at the end of each lesson. I have also observed that the time between lessons often didn’t always allow students enough practice to internalize or execute what we had covered before their next lesson.
I acknowledge the competing challenges students face in terms of balancing school work with their music studies. While my younger students love the challenge of finishing and polishing a Suzuki Book, performing in a home concert, and having family members celebrate their achievement, advanced students need different kinds of challenges and outlets. The ultimate aim is to maximize the best use of their time. Today’s innovative online platforms now allow us to explore supplemental, fresh approaches to learning and time management.
My students have gone on to attend schools such as the Cincinnati Conservatory, MIT, Juilliard, Boston Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, Carnegie Mellon, Boston University, Vanderbilt, Harvard, Princeton, Boston University, and many other prestigious institutions.
As an audition adjudicator and former Executive and Artistic Director of the Nevada School of Music, a preparatory music school, I am acutely aware what music schools and faculty members desire and require. I am equally up to the task of preparing students to not only qualify, but also to stand out. I have had the privilege of working with many guest artists during my leadership at the school and have built strong connections with extraordinary artists and conservatory teachers throughout the world.
Last summer I presented a week-long violin and cello intensive program. It underscored that students are starved to work with world-class artists and truly enjoy the online camaraderie with other students from other locales and back- grounds. I’m so excited to offer The String Journey as a new model to today’s aspiring musicians – one that offers a more holistic approach to curriculum and performance – an exciting approach that truly prepares them for a bright and successful future in today’s music industry and academic world.
Teaching Approach
Our teaching approach emphasizes personalized instruction tailored to each student’s unique learning style and goals. By focusing on technical proficiency, musical expression, and comprehensive development, we ensure students achieve a high level of artistry and confidence in their performances.
- Build and Improve Technique: Focus on efficient practice habits and mastery of technical skills.
- Time Management: Develop effective time management strategies to balance music and academic responsibilities.
- Performance Confidence: Cultivate ease and assurance in auditions, competitions, and public performances.
- Personal Growth: Foster a love for music and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Achieving Goals
Our structured lessons and supportive environment help students:
- Plan and Optimize Practice: Structured practice routines to enhance skill acquisition.
- Develop Presentation Skills: Confidence in presenting and performing musical ideas.
- Navigate Academic and Career Paths: Expert guidance for school and career decisions.
- Achieve Elevated Playing Levels: Tailored instruction for students aspiring to professional music careers or high-level academic achievements.
The String Journey Rewards
Students in The String Journey program benefit from:
- Frequent Performance Opportunities: Regular recitals, studio classes, and masterclasses.
- Access to Top Instructors: Learn from and interact with renowned teachers and performers.
- Community and Peer Support: Join a motivated group of like-minded peers.
- Comprehensive Support: Dedicated assistance in all areas of musical and personal growth.
Optional Components and Fees
Some students, especially younger ones, may not be able to take advantage of all core program components until they mature. The following optional components are available to supplement the core programs:
1. Professional Video Production Services
For audition and competition videos.
Fee: Varies based on technical production costs.
2. Additional Private Lessons
For students seeking more personalized instruction.
Fee: Contact for details.
3. One-on-One Competition Preparation
Intensive training sessions tailored for specific competitions.
Fee: Contact for details.
4. Music Audition Preparation Support
Comprehensive guidance on preparing for various kinds of auditions.
Fee: Contact for details.
5. Creation of a Music Clip/Arts Supplement
Enhance college applications with a professionally produced music clip.
Fee: Contact for details.
FACULTY
Shakeh Ghoukasian
Violinist, Teacher & Pedagogue
Founder of The String Connection, Principal 2nd Violin of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, accomplished chamber musician, and distinguished teacher. Shakeh Ghoukasian brings extensive experience and a commitment to nurturing young musicians. She has performed with classical artists like Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, and Itzhak Perlman, and has been an influential figure in music education through initiatives like the Nevada School of the Arts and the Desert Roots Rising Stars Festival
Joan Wang
Violinist, Teacher
A native of Shanghai, China, Joan Wang is a dedicated violinist with a rich background in orchestral and solo performance. She holds both Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degrees in violin performance from the California Institute of the Arts. Joan has performed with several prestigious symphonies, including the Pasadena Symphony and the New Mexico Philharmonic. Her teaching career has seen many of her students achieve top positions in youth symphonies and honor orchestras. Joan is passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians and imparting her extensive knowledge and experience through private instruction
ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION
Program Duration: August 26, 2024 – May 16, 2025
Location: In-person sessions, Zoom Video Conferencing, FaceTime
Enrollment and Contact Information:
- Trial Lessons: Schedule a trial lesson (in-person or online) or inquire about rates by contacting sghoukasianmusic@gmail.com
- Booking: Reach out to Shakeh Ghoukasian for lessons or coaching sessions.
Registration: Interested in joining our program?
Have the following information available and submit your:
REGISTRATION FORM
with the following details:
- Student Full Name, Age, Grade, Birthday
- Instrument and Suzuki Book Level or equivalent
- Lesson length requested (30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes)
- Number of Years Studied
- School Name and Grade
- Membership in local youth orchestra or other ensembles
- Participation in summer programs, festivals, or competitions
- Private Teacher’s Name and Contact Information
- Parent and Student Contact Information
- Emergency Contact Information