McPherson Violin Classes - Beginning & Intermediate

Students in grades 2–5 at McPherson are invited to join our Beginning or Intermediate Violin classes. The program welcomes all musical backgrounds — whether your child is just starting out or ready to build on existing skills, there's a place for them.

Beginning Violin introduces students who are new to string instruments to the fundamentals of playing, reading music, and rhythm, in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Intermediate Violin is for students who completed Beginning Violin last year, or who are invited based on experience. Students continue developing their skills and begin playing in parts as an ensemble — building musicianship along with teamwork and the joy of making music together.

We believe music has the power to unite and inspire, and we're committed to a rich educational experience built on creativity and collaboration.

Location: McPherson School

Session dates: September 14 - December 18

Rehearsal Day and Time: 

Beginning:  Mondays  3:00 - 4:00 pm 

No class on 10/12, 11/2, 11/23

Tuition:  $235 (11 weeks)

Intermediate: Thursdays 3:00 - 4:00 pm 

No class on 11/26

Tuition: $275 (13 weeks)

Orchestra follows McPherson's two-semester enrollment structure, with separate Fall and Spring sessions. Because string instruments take time to master, we strongly encourage families to plan for the full school year. New student registrations are not accepted for the Spring session.

McPherson provides free violins for in-class use. Families who'd like their child to practice at home (recommended) can rent an instrument directly from McPherson for $100/year — print and complete the online form and return it with payment to the McPherson school office. Musical Chairs does not accept rental forms or payments.

A minimum of 10 students is required to run each class, and classes are capped at 25. Make-up classes are not available for group lessons. Students are expected to follow their teacher's instructions and be respectful at all times. If discipline becomes an issue, we'll first reach out to parents; if problems continue, we may regretfully ask a student to forfeit the remainder of the session to protect the quality of instruction for the group.

  Trevor Adams is an Alaskan composer, music educator, and violist.  He teaches violin, viola, guitar, ukulele, piano, and music composition, and loves creating lessons that are fun, supportive, and tailored to each student’s interests and goals. For Musical Chairs, Trevor maintains a large violin, viola and cello private studio. He is also the director of our Chicago Youth Orchestra and the Orchestra program at McPherson Elementary School.

Trevor earned his B.M. in Music Education and B.A. in Music Composition from the University of Alaska Fairbanks which he feels brings both a broad and in-depth approach to teaching. He has taught music to students of all ages—from young children to adults—in kindergarten through high school classrooms, afterschool programs, group classes, youth and community orchestras, summer music intensives, and private lessons. Whether your child is just starting out or you're an adult learner looking to explore something new, he'll be there to guide you every step of the way.

As a performer, he has performed with the Nanook String Quartet, Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, and Refraction Ensemble to name a few.  Trevor draws on these experiences to bring a well-rounded perspective to my teaching. His goal is to make every lesson an enriching experience that fosters both growth and creativity.