Gloria dePasquale, Director & Conductor, Intermediate Group
Andrea Weber, Conductor, Beginner Group

Prysm Strings – Center City, the Philadelphia division of the renowned Prysm Strings program, provides exceptional string ensemble training and performance opportunities for students at various levels, offering individualized instruction, ensemble experience, and technical development through side-by-side rehearsals with professional faculty. 

Location: Saint Patrick Hall (240 South 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103) 

Schedule: Wednesdays, mid-September – mid-May

Beginner Group 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Intermediate Group 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Open to: Violin, viola, cello, and double bass players

Ages: 6 – 15

Audition Here Open Rehearsals Upcoming Performances

Why Join Prysm Strings – Center City?

• Train with professional faculty, including former Philadelphia Orchestra musicians, while developing technique and ensemble skills in a structured, engaging environment. 
• Rehearse weekly alongside faculty, collaborating with peers in a supportive learning community. 
• Showcase talents in major concerts across Philadelphia, including at venues such as The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. 

Auditions & Enrollment

We are now accepting auditions for the 2026/2027 Season!

Audition Date & Times:
Wednesday, June 3, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Placement:

• Students are selected and placed into Beginner Group or Intermediate Group based on musical ability, maturity, and experience. 
• PYO Music Institute recommends that students be enrolled in private lessons. 

Beginner
The youngest division of Prysm Strings – Center City is designed for students with experience in Essential Elements book 1, or String Builder book 1, or Suzuki book 1 or early book 2. Students should read and play the D major scale, and violinists should be able to read and play D string, A string, and G string notes. 

Beginner Audition Requirements 

• Scale: 1 octave D major scale  

• Solo: Read a song from your current instrument lesson book (after song number 50 in Essential Elements or String Builder). 

• Sight Reading: a short 4 to 8 measure sight reading piece. This is not music that you practice in advance, it is a chance to show the faculty that you understand how to read notes and rhythms on the page. 

Intermediate
The intermediate division of Prysm Strings – Center City is designed for students with experience in Essential Elements book 2, or String Builder book 2, or Suzuki book 2.    

Intermediate Audition Requirements 

• Scale: 
  • Violin: G major scale, 2 octaves 
  • Viola & Cello: C major 2 octaves 
  • Bass: 1 octave D major scale 
• Solo: Read a song from your current instrument lesson book, or a portion of a concert piece from your school orchestra. 

• Sight Reading: a short 4 to 8 measure sight reading piece. This is not music that you practice in advance, it is a chance to show the faculty that you understand how to read notes and rhythms on the page. 

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Tuition & Financial Aid

• Annual Tuition: $1,675, Beginner; $2,095, Intermediate (2026-2027 season)
• Non-refundable deposit: $550 due upon registration after the audition process
• Financial aid available after the audition process for students demonstrating need

For more information, contact info@pyomusic.org or 215.545.0502.

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