Kontras Quartet Workshop at Virginia Suzuki Institute

05/31/2026

HBCUs have long shaped American culture — producing generations of artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, and creative leaders whose work defines the national story.

New bipartisan Senate legislation introduced by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) would help strengthen arts education and cultural programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities by expanding allowable uses of federal funding under the Higher Education Act. Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) has introduced this legislation in the House.

“As a graduate of Howard University, I have seen how HBCUs foster artistic excellence and creative leadership,"" said Erin Harkey, CEO, Americans for the Arts

The HBCU Arts Act would support:
→ Arts education programs
→ Paid internships and apprenticeships
→ Student support services
→ Cultural preservation and Black art collections
→ Career pathways for emerging creative leaders

Investing in arts education means investing in the next generation of cultural leadership.

Read More 🔗 https://bit.ly/4315fpa

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Hudson and our Ben Weber, his teacher from Kontras!

🥇 Congratulations to Conservatory violinist Hudson L., who earlier this spring took home a gold medal for his performance in the Illinois Music Association Sonata/Sonatina Competition. Bravo to Hudson and his teacher, Ben Weber! 🎻

03/10/2026

03/08/2026

It's time to apply for the Kontras Quartet Young Artist Program. Book 6 and up Suzuki and traditional students with an emphasis on developing chamber music skills and learning repertoire. Pre-formed groups and individuals welcomed. A Young Artist Orchestra, classes for upper level repertoire, special classes in warm ups, injury prevention and audition preparation! Come join us in the beautiful Virginia Highlands!

01/08/2026

Hello All!

We are adding some very interesting classes for advanced students to the Kontras Quartet Workshop! The Workshop will be held June 19-26 so save those dates! Our KQ Young artist program will begin with two days of advanced groups and classes for Book 6 and up students as well as general advanceds classes for traditional students or those who want to focus on repertoire not in the Suzuki books. Then students may elect to participates inan advanced string orchestra group or continue advanced Suzuki grups throughout the week. All Kontras Young Artists will continue the wonderful tradition of intensive study of chamber works. KQ Young Artists will also enjoy a classes on creating a good warmup routine, planning practice to prepare for long term goals like regional,all-state, recitals and college auditions and even a class on creating a community of peer musicians at home.

Our Prelude Program which combines a traditional institute experience with study of chamber music will continue. The adult chamber music program will continue as well.

The Virginia Suzuki Institute website will be back up and live soon. Enrollment in our Chamber Music Program is limited of so please enroll early to avoid disappointment.

And keep an eye out for announcements that our website is back up and live!

Please contact Sally Ross with questions [email protected]

05/28/2025

A fun and joyful June is in store for us as we return to three places that feel like home!

Rush Hour concerts, Grace Lutheran Church, and of course, the KQ summer chamber music workshop at !! We hope to see lots of familiar faces! 😍☀️🎶

Full details: https://kontrasquartet.com/upcoming

05/13/2025

Time to register for the best week of summer for string players! Limited slots available for adults, advanced and intermediate students.

Register now at:

www.virginiasuzukiinstitute.com

05/02/2025

Looking forward to seeing all of the Quartet members and campers in June and enjoying the wonderful music that you will make.

04/26/2025

Come to the beautiful Virginia Mountains! Invest a week in playing chamber music and leave with lifetime skills and wonderful new friends. Chamber programs for young students, advanced students and adults still have spaces open this summer! Open to Suzuki and Traditional Music students.

Contact Sally Ross for more information:
[email protected]

Please come join us for a week of Chamber music in the mountains of Virginia. See you there!

04/19/2025

Please come join us for a week of Chamber music in the mountains of Virginia. See you there!