Symphonia String Ensemble
Practical, social, and collaborative music-making.
Term 1, 2026 Schedule
Feb 7 – Mar 28 (8 weeks) | Saturdays | 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
View Class Details
Overview
Our Beginner Strings Ensemble class offers a fun and encouraging environment where students can develop ensemble and performance skills while learning to play together as a group.
What to Expect
- Engaging Sessions: Weekly sessions that build teamwork, listening, and musical awareness.
- Expert Guidance: Focus on rhythm, intonation, tone, and ensemble playing techniques.
- Supportive Setting: A group environment where students learn from one another.
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Essential Elements Book: This class is taught using the Essential Elements books. You will need to purchase the specific book for your instrument prior to the start of the course.
Please follow the links below to make the purchase.
Who It’s For
- Students learning violin, viola, or cello.
- Those working at Grade 4 or below (ABRSM or Trinity).
- Any age student wishing to build confidence and experience the joy of group music-making.
*Please note that these group sessions are designed to supplement, not replace, individual studio lessons. The focus is primarily on the collaborative aspects of group playing and musicianship. All fundamental technical aspects of playing need to continue to be learnt within a 1:1 studio lesson setting.
Meet the Teacher
Bernini Chan
Violinist | Teaching Artist | Arts Administrator
Education
- Doctor of Musical Arts - University of Houston (USA)
- Performance Certificate - DePaul University (USA)
- Master of Music (Distinction) - DePaul University (USA)
- Bachelor of Music (Honors) - The HK Academy for Performing Arts
Biography
Born in New Zealand, raised in Hong Kong, and educated in America, Bernini brings an international perspective to her career as a violinist and educator. An uncommonly versatile violinist, Bernini performs with a wide array of ensembles, including symphony orchestras, baroque and contemporary music ensembles, and operatic productions. Her diversity allows her to collaborate with world-renowned artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Richard O’Neill, and the late Krzysztof Penderecki. Since her return to New Zealand in 2024, she has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia and Auckland Chamber Orchestra.
Passionate about passing musical knowledge to the next generation, Bernini has mentored young musicians for 15+ years across Houston, Chicago, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen. Trained in both traditional and Suzuki pedagogy (registered in Books 1 to 6), she is an experienced educator for students of all ages. She is dedicated to helping each individual develop their musical voice while gaining discipline, resilience, and critical thinking skills.
Beyond the classroom, Bernini served as a Community-Embedded Musician Fellow for the Houston Symphony, sharing music in hospitals and community centers. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, visiting museums, and reading under the sun.
Student Benefits
Member Benefits
All students enrolled in our ensemble programmes gain access to exclusive studio benefits, including recording opportunities and event discounts.