Music Learning Lab

An extension of our Education and Community Engagement programs, the Learning Lab features dozens of videos about orchestral instruments, playing technique, and our musicians’ secrets of success.  Below you will find series for all ages and levels of playing.  Be sure to download the companion worksheets and technique exercises as well!

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Music Learning Lab is generously supported in part by

Virtual Petting Zoo

Join musicians of the VSO to learn about each instrument that makes up an orchestra!  Developed for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade, these videos introduce children to how each instrument makes sound, how they are made, and how they are used within the symphony.

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Through this series of videos and accompanying activity worksheets, the Virtual Petting Zoo addresses the following Virginia Standards of Learning:
Music SOLs: K.9, K.12, K.13, 1.14, 1.16, 1.17, 2.7, 2.10, 2.13, 2.14, 3.11, 3.12, 3.15, 3.16, 4.10, 4.11, 5.16, EI.18, EI.20
English SOLs: K.3, 1.7, 1.8, 2.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.4, 3.9, 4.2, 5.4
History and Social Science SOLs: K.1, K.6, 1.11, 2.2, 2.11

Technique Tips

This video series is for middle and high school students who have been playing their instruments for a few years.  Hear the hidden secrets from VSO musicians on how to improve your playing technique to master your instrument!

We need your feedback! Please click here to take our survey.

Through this series of videos, Technique Tips addresses the following Virginia Standards of Learning:
Music SOLs: MIB.2, MIB.3, MIB.4 MIB.6, MIB.10, MIB.11, MIB.15, MII.9, MII.10, MII.14, MIAD.9, MIAD.10, HIB.3, HIB.4, HIB.10. HIB.11, HII.9, HII.10, HIAD.11, HIAD.12

Spotlight

Getting ready to step into the spotlight? Tune in to advice from professional VSO musicians to shed some light on how you can tackle challenges and become a more confident musician. These special topics include overcoming performance anxiety, preparing for auditions, orchestral etiquette, bringing the notes on the page to life, and more!

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Music Learning Lab is generously supported in part by Bank of America, The Cook Foundation and the Williamsburg Community Foundation.

Do you want to help bring these valuable online lessons to students, parents, and teachers throughout Hampton Roads? Please click HERE to make a gift to the VSO today. We are grateful for your continued support!