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String Theory

One-Time Offering! Mulit-Level Music Theory & Fun Ensemble Workshop

Unravel the mysteries of Music Theory… on your String Instrument! A very unique opportunity to IMPROVE YOUR EAR, INTONATION, SIGHT-READING, AND KNOWLEDGE OF MUSIC THEORY, including scales, keys, intervals, chords, & more! Music Theory is traditionally taught with pencil, paper, and keyboard. Instead, learn and apply the intricacies of music theory & ear training directly on your string instrument. Then, HAVE FUN PLAYING IN ENSEMBLE WITH YOUR NEW-FOUND SKILLS & BETTER-DEVELOPED EAR. You won’t find a workshop like this anywhere else, and you won’t believe how much more you’ll start understanding, hearing, & playing in tune (& how FUN it will be!). THIS ONE-TIME OFFERING WILL NOT HAPPEN NEXT YEAR!! THIS YEAR ONLY benefit from String Theory & its deep focus on Ear Training & Intonation.
APPLY NOW!

June 24-28, 2025 (Tues - Sat)

Held in Canandaigua NY (Finger Lakes Region in western New York State)

Travel In: Tues June 24  Casual, Fun Evening Cookout Starts at 6:15pm. Get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment.

Travel Back: Sun June 29  Activities go through Saturday. Stay around & relax before traveling on Sunday.

Join us for our 138th event in our 22nd season!

Space is currently available for you. Apply Now! (No payment due at time of application.)

Save $200 with discount prices only through May 13! 

For pricing info, continue down the page.

What will we do at String Theory?

  • LESSONS: Have fun, engaging, helpful, & informative lessons on music theory concepts each day on our instruments with our peers.

  • ENSEMBLE: Have fun playing in ensemble with others!

  • HAVE BIG A-HA! MOMENTS: Experience revelation as we dig into ensemble music and apply our new-found music theory understanding right away!

  • Q&A: Discuss, ask questions, fill gaps, & help round out our knowledge and understanding of music theory.

What will we learn?

You’ll participate in lessons on…

  • Key signatures, scales, & scale degrees

  • Intervals & Ear Training

  • Chords, arpeggios, & harmony

But... Why Should I Come?

To improve your knowledge & understanding of music theory, so you can…

  • Gain a better framework and foundation for intonation & develop your ear.
  • Play better in tune!
  • Learn to hear music with greater context & in a whole new way.
  • Have greater understanding of the building blocks of music so you can play better!
  • Get a lot better at sight-reading.
  • Contribute more intelligently, accurately, and meaningfully to an ensemble.
  • Better hear how your pitch fits into the whole of an ensemble, & be more in tune in ensemble!

Why should I learn music theory?

A frequently requested topic has been music theory. People feel like they should know it, but don’t really have a solid grasp on it. A lot of adults have gaps in music theory & ear training & don’t fully understand how to interpret what they hear & how to let that inform their playing. But music theory isn't difficult to learn, and there’s no reason for it to remain a mystery. 

When you gain music theory understanding, you’ll be able to hear things in a new way, play in tune so much better & play better in ensemble. You’ll also better understand the structure of music, and things like Baroque dances, classical quartets, unaccompanied Bach, fiddle tunes & folk songs, rock songs, worship songs, & many other musical formats will make so much more sense.

Every musician needs to understand music theory. It's part of gaining fluency in music, like studying syntax is gaining fluency in a language. But most string teachers and orchestra directors just don’t have time to teach music theory in addition to teaching the needed techniques and current pieces.

Are you color blind? Not knowing, understanding, and being able to apply and hear music theory and ear training in your playing is like being color blind. You can get by with just playing written music, and not “seeing the color”. But once your ears are open to the ramifications of how music works, how it functions, and how to hear it in a whole new way, it’s like there’s a world of color out there that you never knew existed, and now you can see what a difference it makes! Your intonation, and the way you hear music will never be the same again!

Wired for Musical Success. Electricians should understand the fundamentals of wiring. They (hopefully!) don’t just memorize which size and color of wire goes where without deeper knowledge. A musician needs to understand the fundamentals of music theory in order to be able to execute music from a broader, more comprehensive, and stronger foundation. This greater understanding and practical ability translates into better intonation, better sight-reading, better ensemble playing, & better musicianship.

What's unique about this workshop?

Traditional music theory instruction involves staff paper & a keyboard. But what if your main instrument is strings? You are learning a musical skill completely devoid of your instrument, which is a real disconnect. (It’s like learning how to cook by reading a book, but not actually picking up pans & ingredients!) We will teach you music theory ON your string instrument. That way, you’ll be able to apply it & benefit right away from your new-found knowledge.

This workshop is very unique in this approach of applied music theory on string instruments. I don’t know of any other similar workshop. And, we’re only doing it once, so if you want to fill in gaps in your music theory knowledge and understanding, want to play better in tune, want to get your ear in shape, and bring color, understanding, & clarity to your musical world, please join us!

Music Theory... That Doesn't Sound Fun. Won't that be boring?

Au Contraire!

Learning can always be fun, and never has to be boring. What makes something boring is how the material is presented (yawn), who is presenting the material, & whether we see any relevance between the material and our goals & desires.

We have never put on a Scor! event that is not fun, and don’t intend to. Just like every other workshop, there will be plenty of fun! There will be fun classes, fun ensemble playing, fun lunches & social times, & plenty of important & fun revelations! The music theory content will be presented in an engaging and relevant way – on your instruments, through playing and with plenty of application. And… once you start down this road, you’ll realize how very relevant hearing how music is structured & playing more in tune can be for your musical progress & enjoyment.

If you’re even the least bit curious about how to hear music better, improve your ear training & intonation, and unravel music theory mysteries, join us this summer at String Theory!


What's the Atmosphere like at Scor!?

The atmosphere at Scor! is unique & special. It's a learning, growing, fun, exciting, supportive, encouraging, educational, low-pressure, challenging, inspirational, & transformational experience. And, it's tailored especially for adult string players like you & at your level by national leaders in the field of adult string education. Plus, you'll have a great time in the relaxed, fun atmosphere. So, you'll make music with newfound friends in ensemble, participate in unique & amazingly informative instructional sessions, and work with incredible, knowledgeable faculty. It's a special immersion experience created just for you!

Faculty

National Leading Experts in Adult String Education

Don't miss working with our extraordinary faculty. After over 25 years of working with adult string players, WE KNOW ALL ABOUT YOUR PLAYING SUCCESSES, STRUGGLES, JOYS, & CHALLENGES. And we know exactly what to do to get you sounding great & feeling even better. So, get ready to exponentially increase your music theory knowledge & application, & for your ear, intonation, & playing to soar to the next level!
GO TO FACULTY PAGE: Hear Faculty Perform & See Full Bios

Beth Bultman, Faculty

Violinist, Composer, Scor! Program Director, Scor! Co-Founder

In addition to being a highly trained & experienced musician & teacher (see Faculty Page for full bios & performance), Beth is also a music theory whiz. She was at the top of her class in Honors Music Theory at the renowned Eastman School of Music. She has utilized her deep knowledge of music theory to enhance her classical performing, musicianship, & teaching, and also to play by ear, improvise, and compose songs and string compositions. She has taught music theory for decades.

Kyle Bultman, Faculty

Ensemble Director, Scor! CEO, Scor! Co-Founder

In addition to extensive training in the classical music realm (see full bio on Faculty Page), Kyle has taught adult string players music theory for decades. He also puts his music theory knowledge to work as an amazing harmony player and a super improviser. In addition to classical, he has performed many times in jazz, free improvisational, & sacred contemporary settings. Kyle & Beth are known for their unusual ability to perform unique free improvisation duos, requested again and again by audience members. (Can't do that without some music theory expertise!)

Is This Event the Right Level for me?

Each event has been designed with certain levels in mind. Come an event that's right for you! You'll feel right at home surrounded by others at your level with your musical interests. The ensemble music & instruction is catered right to you, giving you the best possible musical, learning, and community experience.

At String Theory, we accept participants at the Intermediate, Advancing Intermediate, & Advanced Levels.

Is one of these levels right for you?

What about other levels?

For complete descriptions of all 5 levels, plus event recommendations for each level, see our In-Person Levels Page.

FAQs about String Theory

  • Do I need previous knowledge about music theory to come?

    Nope! No previous music theory experience is required. But you do need to be at the Intermediate, Advancing Intermediate, or Advanced Level of playing.

  • What if I already know some music theory from my piano background?

    Come anyway! Most people with piano backgrounds have not learned music theory on string instruments. The application of that knowledge onto your string instrument needs repetition and reinforcement. So, just knowing something in your head or on the piano does not directly translate to your string instrument without intentional effort. You’ll be amazed how much you’ll improve your awareness, intonation, sight-reading, and more from applying music theory to your string instrument.

  • Will this event be offered next year?

    This event is a ONE-TIME OFFER and will not be offered next year. If you want to participate in a fun, unique, one-time only workshop designed exclusively for adult string players focused on learning music theory on string instruments & having fun in ensemble, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!

  • What if I want to do another event but I'm also interested in String Theory?

    Join others who are coming to both! And... get $300 off the 2nd event!

  • What is music theory?

    Music theory is the foundation on which all music is built. It's the systematic study of the elements and structures that make up music. Just as a writer must understand grammar and syntax to convey ideas effectively, musicians need a grasp of music theory to communicate through music.

String Theory Schedule

June 24-28, 2025 (Tues - Sat, travel back on Sun)

Tues: Travel in. 6:15 - 8pm Kickoff Cookout!

Wed 10:00-5:30

Thurs 10:00-5:30

Fri 10:00-1:00 Enjoy Area; 1:30-8:00 Rehearsals & Fun Dinner

Sat 10:00-3:30

Sun: Travel back

See below for more details!

Full Detailed Event Schedule

Tuesday (6:15pm-8:00pm)

Daytime: Travel into Town/ Check into Lodging

6:15 - 8:00 Welcome Cookout (FREE FOOD!)

Join us for a free get-to-know-you hang out and chill evening with a dinner cookout right at the Scor! Venue on Tuesday evening from 6:15 - 8pm. Meet your faculty & all your new friends, chow down, & relax after traveling.

Wednesday (10:00-5:30)

9:30 – 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 10:30 Orientation

10:45 – 11:45 Session: The Ins & Outs of Key Signatures, Scales, & Scale Degrees

12:00 – 12:45 Ear Training I: Improve Your Intonation

12:45 – 1:45 Lunch Break

2:00 – 3:30 Ensemble Rehearsal

3:30 - 4:15 Break - Enjoy the outdoors, chat, shop, practice, ask questions

4:30 – 5:30 Practice: Hearing & Playing: Put your new skills to work/ Q&A

6:00 – 7:30 Dinner at Restaurant


Thursday (10:00-5:30)

9:30 – 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 11:15 Session: Understanding & Hearing Intervals

11:45 – 12:30 Session: All About Instruments & Bows with Luthier from The String House

12:30 – 1:00 String House Exhibit Open

12:45 – 1:45 Lunch Break

2:00 – 3:15 Ear Training II: Improve Your Intonation

3:15 – 4:00 Instrument & Bow Q&A/ Trying Session with String House

4:00 – 5:30 Session: Ensemble Rehearsal

6:00 – 7:30 Dinner at Restaurant


Friday (1:30-8:30)

10:00 - 12:00 Enjoy the Area Tourist Time

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Out

1:00 – 1:30 Arrive back at Venue

1:30 – 2:45 Session: Identifying & Deciphering Chords & Arpeggios

3:15 – 4:00 Faculty Recital 

4:30 – 6:00 Ensemble Rehearsal 

6:00 – 7:00 Fun Dinner on Site

7:00 – 8:00 Sunset Social Hour: Conversations/Informal Chamber Music/Jamming


Saturday (10:00-3:30)

9:30 - 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 11:30 Ensemble Rehearsal

11:45 – 12:45 Lunch Break

1:00 – 2:15 Ear Training III: Improve Your Intonation

2:30 – 3:30 Music Sharing Time

5:30 - 7:00 Optional Relaxing Dinner Out


Sunday

Travel back. Or... consider staying in the area a few extra days to further enjoy your music vacation!

*This schedule may change or have minor adjustments, but the start and end times each day will remain the same. Attendees will receive updated schedule info over email.

Schedule FAQs

When should I travel? Travel in on Tuesday in time for the Kickoff Cookout. Travel back on Sunday. (See top of page for more specifics.)

Should I plan to leave early? You have traveled all the way here. You've put forth all the effort of planning and invested in yourself. Why sell yourself short? Why miss out on the final hours of camp? Would you leave a lovely restaurant meal or treasured vacation before it was over? Don't think so. You'd milk it! Or would you leave your plane flight before it was over? (Not recommended! : - ) We know you're the kind of person that doesn't give up, and finishes what you started. So why miss out on the final hours of camp? You'll want to milk every bit of your Scor! experience, and get your money's worth. Plus, you won't want to miss out on the best part - the Final Music Sharing at the end of Saturday! Relax. Plan to stay and travel back on Sunday!

Should I plan to be available the whole time? The event schedule is designed to provide you with a fantastic experience. Make sure you arrange your schedule so that you don't miss out on any of it! That's how you'll get the most out of your experience. Don't try to go to work, or squeeze in other committments around your Scor! experience. Plan your schedule around the start and end times above.

Am I going to be playing my instrument for 6-8 hours a day? Not exactly. Amidst our rehearsals & classes, there is plenty of time in the schedule to rest, converse, and relax. And rehearsals and classes involve playing, but also stopping, listening, and waiting. The schedule is balanced so you'll enjoy lots of playing and learning, but also have the needed breaks to help your physical and mental stamina.

Where are Scor! Events?

In Canandaigua, in the western New York State Finger Lakes Region

Canandaigua (can-an-DAY-gwa) is a jewel in the nationally recognized Finger Lakes Region of NY, known for its 5 large finger-shaped lakes. Wineries & breweries abound, in addition to a variety of dining and shopping experiences, outdoor recreation, historic atmosphere, and loads of summer fun!
Imagine your Music Vacation: Play & Stay in the Finger Lakes!

Where's Canandaigua?

Canandaigua is situated in western New York State, about 35 minutes southeast of Rochester, 1.75 hours east of Niagara Falls, & almost 6 hours northwest of New York City. (Flying? It's Rochester NY - ROC.)

Discover Where to Stay, What to Do, & more area info for your Music Vacation!

What about the Scor! Venue?

Join us on the Mountaintop!

Make music and enjoy your Mountaintop Experience at our peaceful, inspiring mountain retreat, nestled in the bucolic Finger Lakes region of western New York State.
Learn more about Scor! Venue

What makes Scor! so special?

Scor! stands out from the rest. Here's why...

A Treasured In-Person Experience with Genuine Connection: Being together in person is indeed special. After several string workshops have disappeared in the past few years, it's more important than ever to connect with friends in person, play music together, & receive top-notch instruction & inspiration in this unique immersion environment. After everything we all went through just a few years ago pandemic-wise, who can put a price on in-person musical camaraderie & friendship? A treasured experience, to say the least.

Best Faculty Ever: Your faculty are the most experienced, highest quality, & most inspirational instructors in adult string education that you'll find anywhere. The expertise is unsurpassed... 25+ years experience & 130+ Scor! camps & counting. They know exactly how to help you gain confidence, sound better, & soar to the next level, guaranteed.

Inspirational Retreat: Scor! events are held in a premium location, with beautiful surroundings in a peaceful, serene environment. Come away with us! Escape to this gorgeous retreat, calm your mind, body, & spirit, and give yourself the chance to learn, hone, & grow in a beautiful & inspirational place. There's never been a better time to escape & play music!

Learning at Your Level: Scor! events are designed with your level in mind, so you'll have a terrific learning experience. You'll feel right at home surrounded by others at your level who share your musical interests, with music & instruction tailored just for you, giving you the best possible musical, learning, & community experience.

Vacation Destination: You're coming to a great location.... the renowned Finger Lakes Region of New York State, a hot spot for tourism, wineries, breweries, history, unique dining & shopping, and beautiful natural surroundings... Music Retreat Vacation, HERE I COME!

Best Customer Service in the Business: We've raised the bar & offer the most professional customer service around. We don't have volunteer, hobbyist, part-time, or fly-by-night staff and administration. In fact, we are the only fully professional adult string-focused operation out there. That means you'll be treated the way you want and the way you deserve - to a quality experience, receiving more individual attention, help, customization, interaction, substantial information, and thorough communication than anywhere else. You're in good hands, and we'll help you the whole way!

Invaluable Instruction to Transform your Playing for Life: You'll receive many hours of unique, valuable, key instruction that will unlock playing mysteries, reveal the secrets of professional players, and provide you with a musically enjoyable, transformational experience. A Scor! event is NOT JUST LIKE AN ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL!!!!!!! Most teachers, orchestras, and workshops just teach you how to play a given piece better. THERE'S SO MUCH MORE AT SCOR! Through a unique immersion experience, we help you develop skills, techniques, and approaches that professional musicians use. These are not normally taught in lessons or orchestra rehearsal, but they will help you improve immeasurably. It’s like the old saying, “Hand someone a fish, they eat for a day. Teach them to fish, they eat for a lifetime.” We'll teach you to fish (with technical & musical skills) so that you can apply what you’ve learned anywhere. Now, no matter what piece you tackle in the future, or what ensemble you play with, you'll have the ability to take your playing to new heights!

Pricing

No payment is due at time of application. (See Application process below.)

Want to spread out your payments? Take advantage of our Installment Plan.


If you haven't already, sign up for Scor! E-News HERE to receive exclusive coupons & discounts, info on deadlines, plus free classes & more!


Item Fee Description
Scor! Camp Tuition

(Pat from Florida says "Scor! was well worth every penny!")		 *$1559 --> $1359 Save $200 with Discount Price only through May 13!

(No payment is due at time of application. Above discount automatically applies.)		 Tues - Sat: 5 fun-filled days of playing music together, top-notch instruction by national leading experts, relaxing with friends, & enjoying a music vacation! Why is Scor! so special? See above!
Installment Plan
(optional) 		$25 Split up your balance into 3-5 easy payments! See more info HERE.
Meals during Scor! $179

Eating together is part of the fun of Scor!. Includes Wed lunch, Thurs lunch, Fri dinner, & Sat lunch. (Fri lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant. Breakfasts are often included with your lodging.)
Tues Kickoff Cookout FREE! Food, Friends, & Fun! Join us for a free get-to-know-you hang out & chill evening with a dinner cookout right at the Scor! Venue on Tues eve from 6:15-8pm. Meet all your new friends, chow down, & relax!
Friday Catered Dinner for Spouse/ Traveling Companion
(optional add-on) 		$54 Bringing a guest? Purchase a Friday dinner. We'll have a fun & scrumptious spread! (Plus, dinner on Tues is FREE for you & a guest!)
Instrument Rental
(optional add-on) 		$125 Flying in? Rent a quality instrument & bow so you don't have to bring yours on a plane.
Optional Donation
(optional add-on)
If you wish to support Scor!, you can opt to include a donation to Scor! in your registration.
 $50? $100? $250? $500?
 Help us recover from devastating pandemic-era losses & build foundational infrastructure at our venue that will be used for years to come. For more info on Donations, CLICK HERE. (Scor! is a program of Symerge, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization & donations are tax deductible according to IRS rules.)

*TUITION OFFERED WAY (WAY!) BELOW COST: Scor! has endured vast and devastating pandemic-era losses from forced event shutdowns. We are walking the long hard (scary) road of seeking restoration & building again from the ground up. Our current actual costs per person to put on events are substantial ($2680!) due largely to pandemic debt. However, good news for you... we are not passing on those costs to you. You can come to Scor! at just over 1/2 of the actual cost (53%) as indicated in the table above. It's like a 50% discount right off the top. We hope you enjoy this sacrificial REALLY GOOD DEAL! :-)

Staying Healthy at Scor!

Health Protocols & Policies for In-Person Events

Get lots of great tips on staying healthy both at Scor! and while traveling (from experienced travelers!). Check out our health protocols & policies, and find out more about the environment at In-Person Scor!.
Go to Staying Healthy

Looking for more info about in-person events?

Question?

Just ask!