Stringed instruments

The family of bowed strings includes the violin, the viola, the cello and the double bass, ranked acoustically from highest to lowest. These instruments are essential to classical music, both in symphony orchestras and in chamber music.

Bowed string instruments are also available in smaller sizes for children. The Conservatoire offers a wide selection of instruments for hire, adapted to the size of students to facilitate early learning.

The viola da gamba, which features in our range of courses, is a Renaissance and Baroque instrument with a unique artistic repertoire.

• Individual tuition
• The smallest and highest-pitched of the bowed strings is without doubt the most iconic instrument in Western music. It produces a wide range of sounds and is highly expressive thanks to the many playing techniques.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

• Individual tuition
• The viola, which is slightly larger than the violin, has a round, warm and soft sound. It plays a key role in an orchestra, as it provides a link between the melody and the bass.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

• Individual tuition
• A versatile instrument, the cello has a distinctive deep and rich sound, often compared to the human voice.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

• Individual tuition
• The double bass is the lowest-pitched and largest string instrument (a child-sized version is also available) and plays a key role in classical, jazz and modern music. It is played with a bow or by plucking the strings.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

• Individual tuition
• The Baroque violin, a musical instrument used from the Baroque period to the end of the 18th century, differs from the modern violin in that it has gut strings, a specific construction, no chin rest, requires a different bowing technique and the use of ancient tuning forks.
• Admission requires some ability on the violin, as evidenced by a certificate of completion of stage two or by audition.

• Individual tuition
• The viola da gamba has returned to the musical scene, rediscovered along with Renaissance and Baroque music after falling into obscurity from the 18th to the 20th century. Its name ‘da gamba’ derives from the fact that it is held between the knees. The terms ‘treble’ and bass' refer to their ranges.
• From the age of 7 (on 31 August, stage 2.2 of primary education).

This family of instruments includes the guitar, the mandolin etc. Tuition covers a repertoire ranging from classical music to more modern styles. If you wish to explore jazz, pop or rock, we recommend consulting the modern music department.

• Individual tuition
• The classical guitar is a 6-stringed, polyphonic instrument that is plucked with the fingers.
• From the age of 7 (on 31 August, stage 2.2 of primary education).

• Individual tuition
• The mandolin, with its understated sound, is played with a plectrum in order to produce its characteristic tremolos. It is a popular instrument of Italian origin, but also has a rich classical repertoire.
• From the age of 7 (on 31 August, stage 2.2 of primary education).

• Individual tuition
• The harp, with its soft, crystalline sound, imparts an air of elegance and mystery. Its strings, plucked with the fingers, produce a wide range of notes. It is a versatile instrument that is equally at home in symphony orchestras or in chamber music.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

Group sessions in the strings department

The Conservatoire is home to numerous instrumental ensembles, enabling students of all levels to develop their musical skills. All group enrolments are free of charge:

• Youth symphony orchestra: for experienced string players accompanied by wind and percussion instruments, exploring the great symphonic musical repertoire.
• Beginners' string ensemble: an introduction to playing in an ensemble for those new to string instruments.
• Symphony group: for adults and former students, enabling them to pursue their passion in shared a practice.

The particular demands of chamber music (the different voices are not doubled) encourage the development of specific skills in students, such as flexibility, pitch accuracy and the ability to adapt in order to broaden their musical personality.

Prior tuition is a requirement. Please contact the school office or the teacher for further information.

The aim of the course is of great practical importance, as it focuses on developing the ability of instrumentalists to read music instantly, to develop reflexes that enable rapid comprehension and reading.

Prior tuition is a requirement. Please contact the school office or the teacher for further information.