Learn to Play
Music programs designed to help students build confidence, foundational skills, and a love of music from the very first rehearsal.
Explore Learn to Play Programs
MVYSO’s Learn to Play programs are designed for students who are beginning their musical journey or building foundational ensemble skills.
Programs emphasize: supportive instruction, foundational technique, music reading skills, ensemble participation, consistent practice habits, and encouragement and growth.
Family involvement is an important part of many beginner programs
Down Beat Percussion Ensemble
A beginner percussion ensemble introducing students to orchestral percussion fundamentals, music reading, and drum set skills.
Up Beat Percussion Ensemble
A percussion ensemble for students with at least one year of experience who are ready to continue building ensemble and orchestral percussion skills.
Debut Strings (formerly Young Violins)
A beginning strings program for students in grades 2–5 focused on foundational playing skills, practice habits, and group instruction.
Down Beat Percussion Ensemble
Best Fit For
Down Beat Percussion Ensemble is designed for beginning percussion students and students who play another instrument and are interested in learning orchestral percussion.
Students in 4th grade and above are welcome.
No previous musical experience is required.
What Students Learn
Students focus on:
fundamental stick control
mallet technique
music reading skills
orchestral percussion fundamentals
drum set basics
Students receive instruction on a variety of orchestral percussion instruments.
What Makes This Program Unique
The program is designed to introduce students to percussion in a supportive ensemble setting while developing foundational musical skills.
Schedule & Season
Oct. - May: Mondays from 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Orientation takes place in early October for students and parents.
Up Beat Percussion Ensemble
Best Fit For
Up Beat Percussion Ensemble is designed for percussion students with one school year or more of playing experience.
What Students Learn
Students continue developing:
percussion technique
orchestral percussion skills
ensemble performance skills
rhythmic accuracy
Students also perform with MVYSO’s Philharmonia Orchestra.
Skill Expectations
Students should have at least one school year of percussion experience.
Schedule & Season
October – May: Mondays from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Orientation takes place in early October for students and parents.
Audition Information
Audition materials are required for placement, view them here.
Debut Strings
Best Fit For
Young Strings is a learn-to-play string program for students in grades 1–5.
The program is designed for beginning string students who are ready to build foundational playing skills in a group setting.
What Students Learn
Students focus on:
foundational violin, viola, and cello technique
note reading
rhythm skills
posture and instrument setup
listening skills
practice habits
Students are given step-by-step practice guidance throughout the year.
Parent Involvement
Parent participation is encouraged throughout the program.
Parents are welcome to attend class each week, and one consistent parent or caregiver is asked to attend the first lesson of each month.
Parents help support practicing at home by:
helping students follow practice assignments
sharing instructor videos and recordings
encouraging consistent practice routines
Practice Expectations
Students are encouraged to practice five days each week.
Beginning practice sessions start at approximately 10 minutes per day and gradually increase to 25–30 minutes.
Instruments & Materials
MVYSO recommends Hammond Ashley Violin of Issaquah for rental instruments.
Students will need:
violin, viola, or cello
shoulder rest
music stand
method book (TBD)
Correct instrument sizing is important for comfort and technique development.
Schedule & Tuition
Schedule: Monday evenings at Kentwood High School
Section 1: 5:00PM - 6:00 PM for students with no previous experience.
Section 2: 6:00PM - 7:00 PM for students with some previous experience.
Tuition: $825 annually. Payments may be made monthly.
Multiple students from the same household receive a 10% discount.