Ms. McAllister will accept new beginner violin students as young as three and up through 8th grade. New students who are already in high school may be admitted on a case by case basis depending on previous experience, and may be asked to audition.

SoCal String Studio is the musical home to students all over Long Beach and the surrounding areas. However, it is the best fit for LBUSD students, as Ms. McAllister is actively involved in coaching and adjudicating throughout the district. Many SoCal String Studio students have climbed the ranks in their school programs, being awarded concertmaster positions, solos, and awards. They have been featured soloists and concertmasters of the orchestras at the Arrowbear summer music camp, and have won auditions for SCSBOA’s All-Southern Honors Orchestras, CODA Honors Orchestras, and other local and regional summer programs and orchestras.

Ms. McAllister has developed her own violin curriculum that works as a hybrid with the Suzuki method, and can take students from “Pre-Twinkle” up through college/conservatory auditions. Beginner students who started lessons as late as 7th grade have frequently placed into their high school’s highest level of orchestra as incoming freshman. If your child has recently begun taking violin classes in school and shows an interest in pursuing it further, SoCal String Studio may be the perfect fit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. The earlier they start lessons, the better!

Ms. McAllister studied piano with Janine Dexter from age five through sixteen, and again as part of her music degree programs in college. Throughout her piano studies, Emma participated in yearly Certificate of Merit evaluations, and was invited to perform in several branch honors recitals and at MTAC’s yearly conventions in San Jose and Los Angeles.

Ms. McAllister utilizes the Piano Adventures series in tandem with technique (scales, chord progressions, etc.) and repertoire as laid out in the Certificate of Merit and ABRSM curricula. Her students range from ABRSM grades 1-8 and are well versed in a variety of musical styles.

Emma reserves a limited number of time slots each week for piano students, age 5-18.