Does Scor! have My Level?

Why, YES!

Scor! accommodates players at every level from recent beginners, to intermediate & advancing players, to advanced players. We even have a special new workshop for highly accomplished amateur players, string teachers, & pros. If you’ve played for a year or more, recently returned to playing, played for a decade, or played for your whole life, we have a place for you! Each Event Has Been Designed with Certain Levels in Mind, so find out your level today!

What's My Level? Am I at the...

Find Out Below!

  • Basic Level?

  • Intermediate Level?

  • Advancing Intermediate Level?

  • Advanced Level?

  • Accomplished Level?

How Will I Figure Out Which Event Is Right For Me?

Follow these steps...

  • Read the below level descriptions. Choose the level that best describes you.

  • Note the sub-headings under the level names - these are the events that are designed for your level.

  • Go back to the In-Person Events Page (button at top). Read the event dates & descriptions for events at your level.

  • Narrow down to an event or a few events that work for you and interest you!

  • Never been to Scor! before? Not sure where to start? Try the Ensemble Event at your level!

  • Not sure where you fit in? Got a question? Ask Beth at Scor! Email her at the above button.

Basic Level

Exclusively At Your Level: Threshold Scor! (Basic Level Ensemble Camp). Also, consider Fiddle Fingers (all levels accepted).

Summary: Starting at about 1 year and ranging to about 5 or 6 years of playing experience; no ensemble experience required, but you may have begun to play in ensemble on this instrument (mid-beginner to early intermediate)

Have you...

  • been playing a short time (about 1-5/6+ years)?
  • learned the basics of how to read music?
  • still in a process of learning to play rhythmically & feeling a strong pulse while playing?
  • played in an ensemble for less than a year? or...
  • never played your current instrument in an ensemble? or...
  • never played in an ensemble?


Does this describe you? The coordination and basic technique required for string playing are still "in development". You can read music at a basic level, and can identify notes & rhythms, but you may not yet be comfortable with sight-reading or fluently executing written notes and rhythms. You are bowing comfortably, but still working on getting a good tone and staying in certain parts of the bow. You know generally where to put your fingers, but are still working on intonation. You may not shift much or you may have recently begun shifting, and have not developed any or much vibrato. Maybe you are getting the hang of playing with a steady pulse and counting, but are still working on applying everything, or possibly you are struggling some with pulse and rhythm. You may have never played in an ensemble before, or have little ensemble experience on this instrument.

If so, this level is for you! The entire experience will be catered to your level - the instruction, the music, the group, everything.

To qualify for the Basic Level, you’ve at least met the below requirements…

  • You’ve played for at least about 1 year. We do not take complete beginners. 
  • You’ve had some type of interactive instruction. Private lessons, group lessons, instructed group ensemble, etc. 
  • You can read and play simple written music. At a minimum, music including 1/8, 1/4 & 1/2 notes, the keys of D, G, C, and time signatures such as 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4 time. (If you don't yet know how to read music, please wait to attend until you've learned.)
  • You’ve never played in an ensemble before. (That’s OK!) Or… you may have a little ensemble experience, either on this instrument or on another.
  • You’re still working on pulse and rhythmic skill development.


You may be further along than this! If you are at the top end of the Basic Level…

  • You’ve played for several years (4-6+).
  • You’ve had private lessons &/or other instruction much of the time. 
  • You can read music fluently at a basic level, and sight-read simple music. You’ve been able to do so for a few years.
  • You’ve participated in ensemble on your instrument some but not a lot, you’ve been in ensemble on a different instrument before, or you’ve successfully played duets with your teacher or a friend.
  • You’re making great strides in pulse and rhythmic skill development, and are in the process of becoming a dependable ensemble member who keeps the pulse at all times at the Basic Level.


In this case, the Basic Level is still right for you! (You may qualify to be a Musical Team Leader if you are at the Top End of this level.)

(Please Note: In order to move on to the Intermediate Level, you must be able to dependably keep a steady pulse, both in solo and ensemble playing. If pulse/rhythm is still a struggle for you, please apply at the Basic Level. We expect participants to return at the Basic Level for a few years to continue to learn and grow, not necessarily move on to the Intermediate Level the following year.)

Intermediate Level

Exclusively at your level: Sojourner Scor! (Intermediate Level Ensemble Camp). Also, consider CelloWell, ViolinWell, ViolaWell, Fiddle Fingers, String Theory (multiple levels accepted)

Summary: Starting at 5-6 years of playing experience ranging to 10-15+ years of musical fun; around 1 year of ensemble experience on your current instrument & possibly many more; although you may not always be able to sight-read music with shifts & complex rhythms, you can dependably keep a steady pulse in solo and ensemble playing (early-mid-late intermediate) 

Have you...

  • played your current instrument around 5-6 years, or maybe many more?
  • had at least 1 year of ensemble experience on your current instrument, or maybe many more?
  • developed the ability to feel the beat, play with a steady pulse, and be aware of the pulse of those around you?
  • Become very comfortable reading notes & rhythms and at least somewhat comfortable with sight-reading easier music?
  • had extensive past musical experience on another instrument and/or as a child, & therefore are ready for this level a little sooner?


Does this describe you? You have a relatively consistent good tone & are comfortable with various bow strokes and articulations (long, short, etc.). Your intonation is pretty solid in the most common positions, and you can play in different keys. You have at least begun working on shifting and vibrato or maybe you feel comfortable with them. You can sight-read basic notes and rhythms and have a good sense of pulse. You have had at least 1 year of ensemble experience on the instrument you're coming to Scor! with.

If so, this level is for you. You'll dig in to lots of great music for a good learning challenge, while still having loads of fun! The entire experience will be catered to your level - the instruction, the music, the group, everything.

To qualify for the Intermediate Level, you’ve at least met the below requirements…

  • You’ve had at least a few years of interactive instruction, or possibly many more. Private lessons, group lessons, instructed group ensemble, etc. 
  • You are very comfortable with reading the notes & rhythms of intermediate-level music.
  • You’ve had at least 1 year of ensemble experience on your current instrument.
  • You can play with a steady pulse and solidly feel the beat.


You may be further along than this! If you are at the top end of the Intermediate Level…

  • You’ve played for many years (10-15+)
  • You’ve had private lessons &/or other group or ensemble instruction for many years. 
  • You can read music fluently at an intermediate level or an early advanced level.
  • You’ve had several years of ensemble experience on your current instrument.
  • You can play with a steady pulse, feel the beat, count and play many rhythms consistently, and fit in with those around you.

In this case, the Intermediate Level is still right for you! (You may qualify to be a Musical Team Leader if you are at the Top End of this level.)

(Please Note: In order to attend at the Intermediate Level you must be able to dependably feel and keep a steady pulse, both in solo and ensemble playing. If pulse/rhythm is still a struggle for you, please apply at the Basic Level.)

(Please Note: If you have not yet had around 1 year of ensemble experience on your instrument, please attend at the Basic Level, where we teach you the various skills that are very specific to string instruments that you’ll need to move on to the Intermediate Level. These are highly beneficial even if you've been playing longer or have played another instrument in ensembles before.)

Advancing Intermediate Level

Exclusively at your level: Elevation Scor! (Advancing Intermediate Level Ensemble & Chamber Camp). Also consider CelloWell, ViolinWell, ViolaWell, Fiddle Fingers, String Theory (mulitple levels accepted)

Summary: Starting at about 8-10 years of playing experience ranging to 40-50+ years of musical fun; at least 3-4 years of ensemble experience on your current instrument & possibly many more; you have a very good sense of pulse & are comfortable sight-reading (mid-late intermediate – early advanced)

Have you...

  • played your current instrument around 8-10 years, or maybe many more?
  • begun as a child, or worked hard to improve as an adult, or both?
  • had at least 3-4 years of ensemble experience on your current instrument, or maybe many more?
  • developed the ability to feel and play with a very steady pulse, read and execute a variety of rhythms, and maintain an awareness of the pulse of those around you?
  • become comfortable with sight-reading & keeping going no matter what?
  • had extensive past musical experience on another instrument and/or as a child, & therefore are ready for this level a little sooner?


Does this describe you? You have a nice tone, and can vary your tone and dynamic depending on what the music calls for. You are comfortable with both legato & staccato/martelé bow strokes, and are perhaps working on other bow strokes. You practice scales and can play in many keys, and your intonation is very solid in the common positions. You are comfortable shifting and using vibrato. You have a very good sense of pulse & are very comfortable reading rhythms as well as notes. You are comfortable sight-reading a variety of music, & you can dependably keep a steady pulse & keep going, even if you are making mistakes or not playing all the notes yet. You have had at least 3-4 years of ensemble experience on the instrument you're coming to Scor! with. You may not have played chamber music before (or maybe you have!), but you can hold your own when playing duets, in pick-up groups, or in orchestra. You’re willing and able to play in a small group, even if you’re the only one on your part. You practice regularly, are involved musically, and actively try to improve.

If so, this level is for you. It will be challenging, rewarding, & FUN! The entire experience will be catered to your level - the instruction, the music, the group, everything.

To qualify for the Advancing Intermediate Level, you’ve at least met the below requirements…

  • You’ve had several years of interactive instruction, or possibly many more. Private lessons, group lessons, instructed group ensemble, etc. 
  • You are very comfortable reading & sight-reading notes & rhythms of a variety of intermediate & early advanced music.
  • You’ve had at least 3-4 years of ensemble experience on your current instrument.
  • You can play with a steady pulse, solidly feel the beat, and maintain an awareness of those around you.
  • You are willing & ready to try one-on-a-part chamber music.


You may be further along than this! If you are at the top end of the Advancing Intermediate Level…

  • You’ve played for many years (15-20+)
  • You’ve had private lessons &/or other group or ensemble instruction for many years. 
  • You can read and sight-read music fluently in various meters & keys at an early advanced level and are a strong sight-reader.
  • You’ve had many years of ensemble experience on your current instrument, including chamber music, orchestra, and more.
  • You can play with a steady pulse, solidly feel the beat, count and play many rhythms consistently, fit in with those around you, dependably keep going, and be a rhythmic leader for those around you.


In this case, the Advancing Intermediate Level is still right for you! (You may qualify to be a Musical Team Leader if you are at the Top End of this level.)

(Please Note: In order to attend at the Advancing Intermediate Level you must be comfortable sight-reading intermediate-level music & be ready to sight-read & play in a small group, even if no one else is currently playing your part. If you don’t feel ready for either of these, please apply at the Intermediate Level.)

Advanced Level

Exclusively at your level: Higher Ground Chamber Music (Advanced Level Ensemble & Chamber Camp). Also consider CelloWell, ViolinWell, ViolaWell, Fiddle Fingers, String Theory (multiple levels accepted)

Summary: This event affords a challenging and enriching environment for dedicated players with advanced skills. Participants should have at least 10+ years of training & instruction (not just playing), plus many years of ensemble experience (10+), including orchestra and chamber music. 

Have you...

  • become a skilled & advanced player?
  • had at least 12-15+ years of training (including a background of private lessons) on your current instrument?
  • had extensive ensemble experience, including orchestra and one-on-a-part chamber music experience?
  • developed a very strong sense of pulse and rhythm, easily able to play with others and adjust as needed?


Does this describe you? You have played for quite a long time and currently play in an ensemble or have a lot of ensemble experience. You probably played as a child, but if not, you've been taking private lessons & practicing very dedicatedly for over a decade & also have other childhood musical experience. You've participated in both orchestra and chamber music, and are very comfortable with 1-on-a-part chamber music, duets, etc. You are very comfortable sight-reading moderate to semi-advanced music, and can very reliably keep a pulse, hold your own, and musically contribute in an ensemble. You are comfortable and familiar with 2-3 octave scales. You have several bow strokes and a good tone at your command, and are able to easily execute a variety of advanced techniques and positions on your instrument. You are a serious player, practicing regularly, musically involved, and actively wanting to improve.

If so, this level is for you. It will be challenging, rewarding, invigorating, informative, & energizing! The entire experience will be catered to your level - the instruction, the music, the group, everything.

(Please Note: In order to attend at the Advanced Level you must have lots of previous ensemble experience, including previous experience in chamber music, and be very comfortable with 1-on-a-part chamber music. You must be comfortable sight-reading early-advanced level music. If you don’t feel ready for either of these, please apply at the Advancing Intermediate Level.)

Accomplished Level

Exclusively at your level: Heart Strings Summit (Accomplished Level Chamber Music Workshop)

Summary: You are an accomplished player. You’ve had extensive classical training, including at the collegiate level. You’ve had a long background of private lessons, playing solo Bach as well as various concertos & sonatas. In orchestras you’ve played symphonic works, and in chamber groups you’ve payed beloved masterworks. You’ve held leadership positions in some capacity & are comfortable in a role as a musical leader (i.e. principal player, chamber music group leader, etc.). You are an experienced musical collaborator, an expressive player, and are willing to try sight-reading virtually anything. You may teach strings or have played professionally, or you may have played with higher level amateur or youth orchestras & chamber groups.

If so, this level is for you. It will be moving, enlightening, uplifting, & inspiring! The entire experience will be catered to your level.

(Please Note: In order to attend at the Accomplished Level you must have extensive classical training & experience including orchestra, chamber music, & private lessons, and be comfortable in a role as a musical leader (principal player, chamber music group leader, etc.). You must be an accomplished sight-reader. If you don’t feel ready for these things, please apply at the Advanced Level.)

What are my options for events?

Ensemble Events at Your Level, Instrument-Specific Clinics, or Special Interest Area Camps!

Not sure which type of event to attend? If you've never been to Scor!, we recommend starting with the ensemble event that best fits your level!

5 Ensemble Events: Attend the Event designed for YOUR LEVEL!

  • Threshold Scor!: Ensemble Camp at the Basic Level
  • Sojourner Scor!: Ensemble Camp at the Intermediate Level
  • Elevation Scor!: Ensemble & Chamber Camp at the Advancing Intermediate Level
  • Higher Ground Chamber Music: Ensemble & Chamber Camp at the Advanced Level
  • Heart Strings Summit: Chamber Music Workshop at the Accomplished Level


Or... Choose to attend an instrument-specific Clinic with a technique focus. (Intermediate, Advancing Intermediate, & Advanced Levels accepted)

  • CelloWell: Exclusively Cellos - work with Dr. Moisés Molina
  • ViolinWell: For Violins - Hone vibrato & intonation
  • ViolaWell: For Violas - Ensemble & Viola-specific technique


Or... Choose to attend a special interest area camp!

  • String Theory: Music Theory Workshop focused on ear training & intonation (Intermediate, Advancing Intermediate, & Advanced Levels accepted)
  • Fiddle Fingers: Fiddle Workshop focused on Celtic music (All Levels Accepted)

Looking for more info about in-person events?

What's the application process?

Question?

Just ask!

We are happy to answer your questions about Scor! Ask your faculty directly by emailing us through the link below. We look forward to connecting!
Email us!