Viola da Gamba Society of America

Members' Area Grants Grants-in-Aid Private Lesson Subsidy Program Workshop Grants Chapter Start-up Grants Chapter Conclave Voucher Program Consort Loan Program The Private Lesson Subsidy is a pilot program to subsidize private viol lessons for VdGSA members who need assistance to afford lessons. The program subsidizes up to six private lessons per year on the viola da gamba with a teaching member of the VdGSA. This program is designed to enable viol players to afford the expense of private lessons, which can improve consort and solo playing skills and facilitate more beautiful music on the instrument we love. Details and application are below. Guidelines The Student is a VdGSA member who applies for the Private Lesson Subsidy to cover partial lesson costs for up to 6 private viola da gamba lessons within a 12 month period with a single teacher. The Teacher is selected by the student from the current teaching members of the VdGSA. Teachin g Members are listed by Geographic Region in the Directory. During the pandemic, the Teacher should come from the list of those teaching online . We encourage students to seek out a local teacher when possible so that in-person lessons can take place in the future. The Student arranges for lessons with the Teacher (up to six will be subsidized). The Student pays for each lesson up front and then provides evidence of payment to receive reimbursement of $40 per lesson. The Private Lesson Subsidy is awarded for 12 months from the award date (rounded to the first of the nearest month). There is no deadline to apply and applications will be reviewed once per month until the program is fully subscribed. Participation in the program lasts from acceptance of the award through the receipt of reimbursement for the sixth lesson, or the end of the 12 month period, whichever comes first. Grantees may reapply for the Private Lesson Subsidy one year after their first award, if the program is continued beyond the pilot year. ‘Renewal’ is not guaranteed. Apply Submit Receipts Questions? Please email the Private Lesson Subsidy Coordinator .

Additional funds are available for a second area to “piggy-back” onto a pre-existing Circuit if it is within reasonable traveling distance from that Circuit. This is a good arrangement for groups not large enough to support a full ten hours of teaching but would like to benefit from a teacher already traveling. The piggy-back group must guarantee five hours of teaching (a minimum of $250) and may apply for travel stipend up to $125 per visit ($500 for 4 visits) to cover the additional travel expense between areas. Circuit Rider applicants, both principal and piggy-back, should fill out this application form separately. It is the piggy-back group’s responsibility to coordinate with the principal group on details. The terms of the Circuit Rider funding are the same for both groups. Piggy-back groups should provide the details of their proposal in the “Additional Comments” box. CLOSE

Members' Area Circuit Rider Program The Circuit Rider program is now accepting applications for Circuits starting in 2022! Apply here . Applications due by October 15th. ​ In 2008 the VdGSA initiated the "Circuit Rider Program" to provide support to communities that do not have a local viol teacher and wish to set up an ongoing relationship with a viol teacher by covering the cost of travel for a teacher to visit the community. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for players in such communities to have ongoing lessons that will give direction to practice time and help set goals. ​ The application deadline for the Circuit Rider program is October 15 of each year with award decisions announced by November 1. The contact person must be a VdGSA member in good standing. See below for full information, including the "piggy-back option" (for a group close enough to an established Circuit to be able to offer their teacher another partial Circuit with coordinated dates). ​ The Circuit Rider program has expanded to include both 2- and 4-visit Circuits within the calendar year. The Full Circuit consists of 4 visits completed between January and December. The Half Circuit consists of 2 visits to be completed within 6 months, and is offered on a one-time basis as an enticement for new groups to try out the program and hopefully get ready for a Full Circuit the next year. Contact the Circuit Rider Coordinator, Isabel Hendry for more information. Program Guidelines: ​ ​ Ready to apply? Here are the steps you'll need to take: ​ Consult with other local players and assemble a group interested in having lessons and willing to make either, a one-year commitment to the program for a Full Circuit of 4 visits, or a six-month commitment for a Half Circuit of 2 visits (The Half Circuit is a one-time only, introductory option to the Full Circuit Rider program) Agree to guarantee the teacher a minimum of 10 hours of teaching at a rate of $50/hour for each visit (Canadian subsidies available). These teaching hours may be private lessons, group coachings, master classes, or beginner sessions. Your group may decide to divvy up payments as they see fit but must provide the teacher with a minimum of $500 per visit.​ Select a teacher from the list of participating teachers (below) and contact that teacher directly. The list of teachers includes airports nearest them so you can factor in travel costs when choosing.​ Contact the teacher and set up a preliminary schedule of 2 (Half Circuit) or 4 (Full Circuit) visits. Arrange to provide housing, food, and local transportation (as needed) for the teacher during each visit. The teacher's airfare, taxis, shuttles, and possibly rental car, can all be included in the travel budget paid by the VdGSA, as long as the total falls within the $500 per trip allowance. If your area is too small to guarantee 10 teaching hours per visit and is geographically close to an existing Circuit, you may apply to "piggy-back" on the existing Circuit. Piggy-back groups must guarantee 5 hours of teaching ($250) and may apply for a travel stipend of up to $125 per visit. Here are two examples of successful programs that may be used as a model to help guarantee the success of your new program. ​ ​ Here's what you'll get from the program: Coaching for any size or level of group, on music chosen by you or provided by your instructor. Continuity: personalized lessons from the same teacher with time to practice in between. A choice of teachers who are committed to the goals of the program. A special hourly rate below the national average. Because of the Circuit Riders’ generosity and desire to reach as many interested players as they can, the teaching rate for a Circuit is discounted by the teacher and set at only $50* per hour. Full Circuit: A stipend (paid directly to the teacher by the VdGSA) of up to $2,000 for 4 visits per year ($500/visit) to cover the Circuit Rider's travel; OR Half Circuit: A stipend (paid directly to the teacher by the VdGSA) of up to $1,000 for 2 visits over 6 months ($500/visit) to cover the Circuit Rider's travel. Additional funds are available for communities that can "piggy-back" their visits so that the teacher can make one multi-destination trip. ​ ​ *Canadian applicants my submit a request with their application for a subsidy to cover the difference between CAD$50 and USD$50. Circuit Rider Teachers: You must choose a teacher from amongst the VdGSA teaching members who have agreed to participate in the program. To browse the list of participating teachers and read about them, please visit the Circuit Rider teachers page. How to apply: Click here to fill out the application form . Deadline: The deadline for applications for each calendar year is October 15 of the previous year. For information about applications or general information about the Circuit Rider Program, contact Coordinator Isabel Hendry .

2021 Young Players' Weekend 2021 VdGSA Young Players' Weekend ​ Welcome, Viol Players! ​ It is my pleasure to invite you to the 2021 VdGSA Young Players' Weekend. Because of the current situation in the world with the pandemic, this workshop will be held onlin—no travel required. ​ The weekend will include a range of activities for viol players of all ability levels. We will gather on Friday night to meet all the participants. There will be three sessions spread out over Saturday and Sunday and led by Amy Domingues, Gail Ann Schroeder, and myself. On Saturday night we will offer a voluntary masterclass led by our guest coaches, Amy Domingues and Gail Ann Schroeder. ​ There is no age limit to attend YPW. If you feel that you are a young player, you are welcome to attend. ​ Pedro Funes-Whittington Young Players Weekend Director ​ Schedule (Central Time Zone) ​ Friday March 12, 7 pm CST: Welcome, Social gathering ​ Saturday March 13, 11 am CST (90 min): Amy Domingues, Soul Sisters: Music from seventeenth-century Italian Convents ​ Saturday March 13, 3 pm CST (90 min): Pedro Funes-Whittington, In Nomine: the chant Gloria tibi trinitas in music from Taverner to Purcell ​ Saturday March 13, 7 pm CST: Masterclass ​ Sunday March 14, 11 am CST (90 min): Gail Ann Schroeder, Sing the Notes, Play the Words: Using basic bowing techniques as a means to playing expressively ​ Fee: $25 Please email questions to YPW Director Pedro Funes-Whittington . Registration Form ​ Click here to submit your $25 payment

Members' Area Grants Grants-in-Aid Private Lesson Subsidy Program Workshop Grants Chapter Start-up Grants Chapter Conclave Voucher Program Consort Loan Program The Grants-in-Aid program supports the mission of the VdGSA by providing funding for individual members' projects. The program is open to all members of the Society (except Institutional members) who have been members for a full calendar year. ​ Grants-in-Aid may be awarded for various kinds of projects, for example: ​ purchasing instruments, bows, travel cases participating in workshops (except Conclave), master classes, or competitions apprenticing as a teacher at local workshops, mentored by workshop faculty initiating programs for beginning viol players and/or outreach ​ Other proposals, including those by instrument makers, may be considered but Grant-in-Aid funds may not be used for purposes for which the Society has other grant and assistance programs: ​ visiting teachers (see Circuit Rider Program ) online lessons (see Private Lesson Subsidy Program ) workshop sponsorship (see Workshop Grants ) Chapter start-up (see Chapter Start-up Grants ) Conclave expenses, such as tuition, room/board, or travel (see Financial Assistance for Conclave ) Grants are not awarded to applicants/groups that have received a VdGSA Grants-in-Aid award in the past two calendar years (four granting periods), except under extraordinary circumstances. ​ Awardees must submit a written report of the use of the awarded funds to the President within 30 days of completing the project; or within 6 months of the award date (whichever comes sooner). Application Procedure and Deadlines To initiate your application, please first contact the President of the VdGSA, John Moran , with a brief description of your proposed project. After receiving advice from the President, you will submit a formal application, which will be reviewed by an anonymous committee. The application consists of an essay, two letters of recommendation, and supporting documents, described in detail below. ​ The Grants-in-Aid Committee considers applications twice per year: in spring and fall. All materials related to an application must be received online or postmarked: ​ by April 15 for the spring round by October 15 for the fall round ​ Selection Process The President of the Society appoints an anonymous committee to review the applications. For each application, the committee makes a recommendation for full, partial, or no funding. The actual amount of any award is contingent upon sufficient funds being available. The selection process usually takes no more than four weeks following each semi-annual application deadline, after which applicants are notified. ​ Award If sufficient funds are available and the committee recommends funding an application, the Treasurer makes the award to the applicant. ​ Application Instructions Applications are submitted through the online portal . You will need to receive a password for the portal from the President. We are now accepting applications for the October 15th deadline. Please contact John Moran for a password to apply. Your application essay must include answers to the following five questions: ​ What would you like the funds for? For example: A new instrument? Bow? Case? If it's being newly made, who is the builder or maker? Have you already communicated with them? Participation in a workshop, a master class, or a competition? Tell us the details of the event. Apprenticing as a teacher at a local workshop, mentored by other workshop faculty? Tell us about the workshop, and who will be mentoring you. Starting a program for beginning viol players or outreach? What are the details of the program? How will you attract participants? How exactly would grant funds be applied? What is the total cost of the item/experience for which you are seeking funds? What is the amount you are requesting from us? (Note that the maximum award is $1500; see also below our preference that you seek out additional funding sources) If the total cost is greater than the amount you are requesting, how do you propose to cover the difference? Include a budget to illustrate your plan, even if your other funding ideas have not yet been confirmed. What is your experience as a viol player? Depending on the nature of your project, tell us how long you’ve played the viol, or what experience you’ve had producing recordings, or how many outreach events you’ve organized, for instance. How are you a good fit for the funding you request? ​ You must procure two letters of recommendation specific to the application (for example, one letter might be from your teacher). Both letters must address your project and your qualifications, and neither may be from someone who is materially involved in your project, such as a duo player or the builder of an instrument you seek to buy. It is your responsibility to solicit these letters and arrange to have them sent electronically to the President of the VdGSA. ​ You must submit any supporting documents regarding the request (e.g., the application forms for competitions or tuition, the invoice for an instrument, fare confirmations, etc.). ​ If you are applying for a performance-related grant, upload an MP3 or other audio or video file to the application website. The file must must be no larger than 5 megabytes in size. ​ We encourage you to seek additional financial assistance. Describe your initiatives to secure other funding in your application — especially matching grants. Those able to find such additional assistance stand a better chance of being funded by the Society, since we try to grant as many requests as possible.

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Circuit Rider Examples Two locations who participate in the Circuit Rider Program have contributed the following narratives about how they run their program. ​ Example 1: Florida We use a formula for distributing the $50/hour among those who participate; e.g. $10/hour each for 5 part—there are a few 6 part consorts, but we use $10 per hour for that too. Anything extra goes to the teacher, either as tuition or covering extra expenses not covered by the grant. Since the sessions (except for private lessons) tend to be 1½ - 2 hours, we can prorate, but we don't do change any more. Too troublesome. Some people put in extra, anyway. Sample Schedule: Teacher arrives in the evening Day 1 -First Consort gathers at around 10 a.m. and has coaching on prepared pieces. -Lunch -More coaching of the consort and/or private lessons in the afternoon -Dinner and social playing (others join the consort, sometimes tag-team) Day 2 -Both Consorts & anyone else who wants joins for Technique Class around 10 a.m. (This session is $10 each per hour, no matter how many are present--this gives us a cushion to cover extra expenses that the grant may not cover.) -After Lunch, Consort 2 gets coaching on prepared pieces; followed by private lessons if any. -Dinner and social playing Day 3 (morning only) -Consort 2 or whatever is left of it (usually a trio) gets coaching. Could also be a private lesson -Quick lunch and teacher is taken to the airport by 2 p.m. If there is only one consort things are considerably more relaxed (what we had the first 2 years). The 2 years we "shared" our teacher with a group in Bradenton/Sarasota, I drove to a half-way rest stop to collect her after her sessions in Sarasota. I believe she came Weds. eve. into Tampa, taught some lessons there Thursday, then was taken to a host Thursday night and taken to Sarasota to teach people from about a 40 mile radius on Friday morning & afternoon, before being brought to the rendezvous. This year we are fortunate to have 2 consorts (with 2 of us in both consorts). It is more complicated to do the scheduling, but it has worked so far. ​ In addition to putting up the teacher, the local host(s) provide sleeping accommodations for out of town participants: this sometimes means their bringing along air mattresses. For more information regarding the Florida model contact Kathleen Merfeld . Example 2: Mississippi Since we were trying to draw players from an approximately 500 mile radius, we began by sending out a "study with" letter to all prospective players. We had five beginner viol players and charged them $25 for the weekend. We borrowed viols for them and loaned them for free for the entire program. This is not including the family of four from Nashville who came once, and six regulars at varying levels. In the end we had players from such diverse loactions as Carbondale, Birmingham, and Memphis. ​ We really worked our teacher hard and think, in hindsight, that it was too big. We just didn't realize we'd have quite so many say "yes." Especially beginners. Sample schedule: Oxford Circuit Weekend, November 12-14, 2010 Friday morning -- private lessons with Ron and Susan Lunch on the town afternoon - private lesson(s) Dinner and general play-in (include newbies — easy pieces) Saturday 9:00 - 9:30 Intro for newest newbies 9:30 - 10:30 Coach newbies, informal experibies consorts 10:30 Coffee break 10:45 - 11:45 Coach experibies, Newbies practice and/or recuperate 12::00 - 1:00 Lunch in-house 1:00 - 2:00 Newbies group session & more self-coached consorts 2:00 - 3:30 Break for naps, gabbing, or consorts 3:30 - 4:30 Technique for all levels - tutti 4:30 - 6:00 Smaller ensembles, all levels, with teacher rotating and coaching 6:00 Dinner with all, including local family member(s) or friend - in house 8:00 More playing, with libations - or perhaps stargazing Sunday morning - private lessons & informal consorts 11:30 lunch 1:00 Coach newbies or perhaps continue smaller coached ensembles 3:00 tearful departures For more information regarding the Mississipi model contact Susan Marchant .

Professional Development Initiative The Society's Teacher Development Committee puts on the Professional Development Initiative approximately every other year. The PDI is a weekend retreat for our self-identified Teaching Members aimed at broadening our horizons, strengthening our connections with each other across the country, and helping us gain new perspectives on our work. PDI tuition and travel is subsidized by the Society to make it accessible to as many members as possible. The PDI has been a valuable cross-generational opportunity for viol player/teachers, providing input and inspiration for those starting their careers and a source of refreshment and an opportunity to share “best practices” for more experienced players. The Society recognizes that this investment in connections between viol professionals is important for the future of the VdGSA. In 2016 in Massachusetts, in 2018 in Greater Chicago, and in 2020 in Loma Mar California, viol players gathered to participate in exciting presentations, to play consorts, and to share ideas about our lives as teacher/performers, both in the viola da gamba world and in the broader musical community. For this “hands on” weekend, participants will either bring their own instruments or borrow viols to be provided by generous local players. For more information about upcoming PDIs, please contact Jane Hershey , Chairperson of the Teacher Development Committee. Past Professional Development Initiatives ​ February - March 2020: Redwood Glen, Loma Mar, California Presenters & Topics: Sarah Cunningham: "An exploration of the fascinating 18th century markings on a copy of Marais's Book 2 held at the Sibley Library in Rochester, NY" Tina Chancey: "Improvisation Made Possible" Brady Lanier: "Vibrato: a historical exploration, and a method for instruction" Martha McGaughey: "Streamlining Marais for Lower-level Players" ​ April 2018: St. Mary’s Retreat House, Lemont, Illinois Presenters & Topics: Wendy Gillespie: “Giving a note a name does not make it sound any better." Catharina Meints: “Simpson as Ultimate Technical Pedagogue” Josh Schreiber Shalem: “Feldenkrais® and Viol Playing” Loren Ludwig: “Teaching and Learning about the Viol via Social Media” ​ March 2016: Prindle Pond Retreat Center, Charlton, Massachusetts Presenters & Topics: Julie Elhard: "Creating children's performing ensembles with viols" Sarah Mead: "Hexachord theory" Jay Elfenbein: "Jazz on viols" John Moran: "Recruiting and retaining college-age student viol players"

Grants Grants-in-Aid Private Lesson Subsidy Program Workshop Grants Chapter Start-up Grants Chapter Conclave Voucher Program Consort Loan Program The VdGSA Consort Loan Program is intended to help teachers begin a viola da gamba program for school-age children. The program is open to all private or school teachers of the viol who have been a member of the VdGSA for at least one year. While the teacher is responsible for designing and implementing the program (finding space, recruiting students, etc.), the VdGSA can provide the teacher with instruments to support their program. ​ A consort of five viols is available for loan for a period of two years (typically August-July). Renewal for additional years is possible at the discretion of the Consort Loan Program committee. Applications by letter or email to the Consort Loan Program Administrator are welcome at any time and a committee response may be anticipated within a month of receipt. Approval of any application is dependent upon the strength of the proposal and the availability of instruments at the time of application. ​ The application should include: Name of the VdGSA member applying for the consort loan Brief resume of applicant's teaching experience, with emphasis on viol teaching preparation and experience Detailed description of program: type of venue, ages of students served, typical activities planned, how the year's work is organized, sample syllabus for a class Estimated impact of program Specific dates of program Sizes of viol required* *The typical consort in the Consort Loan Program is 2 trebles, 2 tenors and bass, appropriate for high school and middle school. For younger children, a consort of small viols may be available. Please discuss your needs with the Program Administrator. If your application is approved, you will be required to send in a signed copy of the Consort Loan Program Agreement . ​ Costs and responsibilities involved in the Consort Loan Program: A security deposit of $500 is required, which will be refunded after the five viols are returned to VdGSA in the same playing condition as they arrived The applying teacher is responsible for all loss or damage to the viols VdGSA will pay for all viol shipping Periodic reports on the program by e-mail to the program administrator are expected semi-annually throughout the term of the loan, coinciding with the meetings of the Board of Directors Care and maintenance: Instruments will be sent in playing condition. It is the teacher's responsibility to replace any broken strings or frets before returning the consort. Any other problems must be reported to the program administrator to determine what action is to be taken. Teachers may apply to VdGSA for financial help in maintaining the viols; contact the Consort Loan Program Administrator with your request. ​ Shipping: The VdGSA will pay for shipping the consort to the teacher and back to the VdGSA. The teacher is responsible for any costs incurred by the VdGSA in retrieving an instrument, case and bow, including legal fees, and costs of repair of any damage. VdGSA strongly recommends that the recipient save the packing materials for the eventual return of the instruments. Packing materials, including the correct size of box, can be expensive and hard to find, so reusing these items is both convenient and cost effective. The VdGSA will not pay for replacing these materials for return shipment. Before returning the viols, please contact the Consort Loan Program Administrator first for detailed packing and shipping instructions. Please contact the Consort Loan Program Administrator with any and all questions about this program.