Various lengths and formats; groups of 25 or less; Junior High to College level How often is it that young string students lose interest in playing simply because the musical options that are given have little relevance to their lives? The chance to improvise can be pure gold for such students. Turtle Island is fiercely dedicated to spreading the word that the bowed string instrument is one of the most versatile on the planet, and there should be no limit to what is possible to play and play ... Read More

Length: 60 minutes; up to 700 students; K to 6th grade This engaging and accessible presentation for children in grades K-6 utilizes the model of the family to help students understand how a string quartet functions and thrives. Turtle Island draws comparisons between the interactions of the quartet and the audience’s families, giving children a personal reference point that greatly helps them to gain a simple but profound understanding of the complete dynamics that drive musical ... Read More

Length: 60 minutes; 6th grade to college level The focus in this program is on the fundamental rhythmic differences between European classical and American vernacular forms, using the rich historical connection to the traditional string quartet as the point of departure for a cross-cultural musical journey that begins with Beethoven and ends with….Turtle Island Quartet! The quartet identifies the “back-beat” as the key, unveiling it in its various stylistic guises with the help of the ... Read More