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Elite Violin & Viola Instruction for College-Bound Students with High-Level Extracurricular Goals

About the Academy

 

Founded by internationally acclaimed violinist and pedagogue Dr. Sharon Gayoung Cho, the academy provides a world-class education in violin performance to exceptional students of all ages. With a legacy of concert artistry and teaching excellence, Dr. Cho offers a highly structured and strategic musical journey that enhances each student's extracurricular profile—helping them stand out in competitive college admissions, even when pursuing non-music majors.

Programs Offered

Sample College Prep Timeline

Early Foundation

(Ages 4–Grade 6)

  • Develop strong fundamental technique through consistent private instruction

  • Perform regularly at studio recitals, community events, and local showcases

  • Begin participation in small to medium-scale competitions to build confidence

  • Join preparatory youth orchestras and ensemble groups to develop ensemble skills

  • Focus on stage presence, tone production, and memorization skills

  • By the end of Grade 6, students should be actively participating in youth orchestras and preparing for more advanced pre-college auditions and activities

Middle School Preparation (Grades 7–8)

  • Establish clear practice routines and musical discipline

  • Strengthen performance skills through higher-level competitions and recitals

  • Begin recording repertoire for evaluation and resume development

  • Participate in regional youth orchestras and small chamber groups

  • Gain experience in leadership roles within ensembles

  • Attend summer music programs and begin mapping out target colleges

Freshman Year

  • Continue refining repertoire and artistic interpretation

  • Perform in state-level competitions and participate in festival circuits

  • Record polished performance videos for eventual college use

  • Publish recordings and competition results on resume/portfolio

  • Maintain leadership roles in ensembles and prepare for higher-tier opportunities through polished repertoire and expressive performance

  • Participate in state-level competitions, festivals, and chamber music projects

  • Begin high-quality performance video recordings for future application use

  • Publish select recordings online or through curated studio projects

  • Take on leadership roles (e.g., concertmaster, ensemble leader) when possible and set long-term musical goals

  • Begin participation in regional youth orchestras and studio recitals

  • Record practice logs and initial performance videos for baseline tracking

Sophomore Year

  • Participate in local and state competitions and festivals

  • Start resume-building with solo recitals and chamber music

  • Attend summer festivals and enrichment programs

  • Identify schools of interest and begin planning EC strategy

Junior Year

  • Intensify competition/audition preparation

  • Build repertoire portfolio with contrasting solo pieces

  • Participate in masterclasses, community concerts, and leadership roles

  • Finalize summer festival plans and gain letters of recommendation

Senior Year

  • Finalize and polish application videos

  • Submit college applications with strategic EC highlights

  • Perform final capstone recital or major competition

  • Transition to college-level musical expectations (if continuing as a non-major)

  • Private Lessons
    Customized one-on-one instruction for students ages 4–19, from beginners to pre-professionals.

  • Competition & Audition Preparation
    High-level coaching for conservatory auditions, solo competitions, and youth orchestra placements.

  • College Admissions & Pre-Professional Mentoring Tailored guidance for students applying to music programs or pursuing professional careers in music.

  • Dr. Cho also works closely with students and their families to strategically build strong extracurricular (EC) profiles centered around violin. With extensive experience helping students gain admission to top-tier universities, she offers expert planning throughout the high school years—guiding students on which competitions, auditions, performances, and festivals most appeal to competitive colleges. Each student receives a customized long-term plan designed to highlight their unique strengths and artistic growth, ensuring they are fully prepared to present a compelling musical and academic profile by senior year.

  • Studio Performance Classes & Recitals
    Monthly in-studio performance workshops and curated recital opportunities at prestigious venues.

  • Student Success

  • Our students have been accepted to:

  • Juilliard Pre-College

  • Princeton University

  • Columbia University

  • Yale University

  • University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

  • NYU Stern School of Business – Shanghai

  • Duke University

  • Case Western Reserve (Pre-Med)

  • Pomona College

  • Vanderbilt University

  • Emory University

  • Rutgers University Honors College

  • Conservatory of Music Vienna

  • Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin

  • Manhattan School of Music

  • Mannes School of Music

  • Students regularly perform at:

  • Carnegie Hall

  • Lincoln Center

  • Merkin Concert Hall

  • International festivals and competitions in Europe and Asia

  • Studio Locations

  • Main Studio: Edison & Princeton, New Jersey, and Online Satellite Lessons

Sharon Gayoung Cho copyright

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