10 weekly sessions of this in-depth analysis and performance workshop for string players and pianists focused on playing the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. 

Discover how the harmonic and linear energy of Bach’s music creates musical motion. Learn how to link that motion to your sound so that a powerful, transcendent performance can emerge. Go beyond arbitrary and ineffective approaches and learn what works for the world’s top professional musicians. 

Because of the multi-session format, you will be able to study, try ideas, refine and polish your playing over several weeks—working with Bach performance expert Paul Henry Smith (a former student of Leonard Bernstein) and guest artists. Each session includes constructive critique from fellow musicians and a chance to validate your performance ideas with attentive, supportive listeners who attend the second half of the session. 

Raise the bar on your playing: Attend this course and you’ll come away with a solid, effective approach to creating amazing performances of Bach’s music. And you’ll find that this approach will serve you well for any other music, too. 

Fall 2022 repertoireCello Suites Violin Concertos & Partitas (A minor, Double, Chaconne, and more) Keyboard Works (Well-Tempered Clavier, Partitas, Suites) Other works participants have prepared  

Open to Performing Musicians: selected by application (age 14 and older)Participant/Observers (audience): open to all.

Free for current Symphonic Laboratory members.Financial assistance is available for performing musicians.

Paul Smith, facilitator

(646) 271-8573

paul@paulsmith.zone