Generally what standard for joining a string quartet? Options

[Viledin4u]

I would like to eventually play in a string quartet or small ensemble(what are the options?). What is the usual standard that would be expected?

[Hubicka]

Absolutely any (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Beginners could start a string quartet or ensemble, it's never too early or too late!

[onion]

The chamber music course that I do at the Mary Ward Centre in London takes people from about grade 1 or 2 standard.

It think just finding folk to make up a group or a group to join is the hardest part regardless of standard. For me, I think it was probably easier to find a group of other early stage learners to form a group than if I had tried once I had got to a particular (more advanced) standard - as by then lots of other people had formed groups. (Gosh, I think that was badly worded - make what sense of it you can! It's been a long day!)

There is lots of music out their for beginning string quartets and ensembles so I think it is never to early to start playing in a group. But I have to say, I enjoy the fact that as part of a course my group gets 'adult' supervision each week to help us develop our rehearsal skills.

Good luck with your playing journey.

[Viledin4u]

It think just finding folk to make up a group or a group to join is the hardest part regardless of standard. For me, I think it was probably easier to find a group of other early stage learners to form a group than if I had tried once I had got to a particular (more advanced) standard - as by then lots of other people had formed groups.

I am quite happy to try and find other people to form a group ...any ideas about how to go about this. Also would we need to pay a teacher to lead the group as I would have no idea what I was doing

[Tenor Viol]

I have just found a string teacher who is offering tutored quartet sessions. She's been advertising and I got in touch. She's been accumulating people and is matching up players of similar levels. I have my first session on afternoon of Saturday 28th. Nominally an hour but she's said to allow 1.5 hours overall fo rwhich we are paying GBP9 each.

So, I get a chance to play in a quartet; I don't have to worry about where to find other players; repertoire or where I get the music from; and best of all it's a tutored session so shoud pick up good practice from the start.

A way in is to join a local orchestra/ensemble - there are plenty of griups at all levels. You'll find people bringing in loads of info about playing days, other groups, etc.

An intenret search might work as might asking at your local music centre/service/teacher.

[viola-mad]

I tried advertising on websites and locally to try and muster a few like-minded players. This turned up one suitable player (who it turned out I already knew from my orchestra) and one player who looked to be suitable, but when we met up it was clear this person considered themselves in a different league (to be fair they probably were, but it doesn't hurt to be friendly, right?).

I also tried e-mailing section leaders of a local orchestra to ask if they knew anyone who would like to be part of a quartet. This turned up a big fat nothing.

Turns out the only thing that really worked was asking people in person, and my own orchestra was the best place to do this. The person you are asking frequently isn't interested/doesn't have time/whatever, but once or twice, they did say something like "but so-and-so was saying the other week that they were interested in quartet playing".

Actually, it doesn't have to be in an orchestra setting - just get chatting to anyone and everyone. Now I think about it, I was bemoaning the lack of a cello to a flautist friend of mine, and it turned out she was a closet intermediate standard cellist! So spread the word and see what turns up. Good luck!

[sbhoa]

Some people have found playing partners after meeting people at events run by forum members.

[katemorrisviolin]

Also would we need to pay a teacher to lead the group as I would have no idea what I was doing

Aw don't let that stop you! It doesn't have to be that formal.
Just have a go and have fun!

[onion]

Also would we need to pay a teacher to lead the group as I would have no idea what I was doing

Aw don't let that stop you! It doesn't have to be that formal.
Just have a go and have fun!

I agree, you can certainly start a group on your own without a tutor. I just happened to be in a situation where tutoring was part of the package!

I think it would depend a great deal on the previous musical experience of your group. A group of adult learners with no previous musical ensemble experience might find it harder to work out how to rehearse and sightread new piece together. Harder, but by no means impossible. Working things out for yourselves is part of the fun!

I think folk have given a lot of good suggestions for finding people to form a group. I hope you find a group soon. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)