SBMC Artist Lab: CONTEMPORARY STRINGS
Step into creativity and explore what it means to go beyond the page. In this multi-week intensive, students will study improvisation, contemporary styles, and songwriting while developing their own original music.
Each student will work with a mentor to create an original piece, culminating in a professional recording experience at SBMC.
Who is this program for?
The Contemporary Strings Lab is designed for serious high school and early college string players (violin, viola, cello, and bass) who are ready to expand beyond traditional training. Playing level should be equivalent to a Suzuki level 5 or above with a strong playing tone, equivalent sight-reading skills, and basic music theory knowledge (key signatures, major/minor keys, types of chords, etc).
For high school students
This is your chance to explore music on your terms.
If you love artists like Taylor Swift, K-Pop, indie, or alternative styles, you’ll learn how to:
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Play and adapt modern music on your instrument
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Improvise and experiment with your own ideas
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Start creating your own melodies and musical voice
Perfect for classical players who want to break out of the box and discover new possibilities.
For early college students
Think of this as a real-world bridge into the music industry.
You’ll build skills that working musicians actually use:
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Improvisation and stylistic versatility
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Playing in contemporary and commercial settings
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Creative collaboration and recording
If you want to become a well-rounded, in-demand player, this program gives you a serious edge.
The bigger picture
Today’s musicians don’t just read music — they create, adapt, and collaborate across styles.
This program helps you build those skills in a focused, supportive environment.
Program Structure
The Contemporary Strings lab runs throughout the month of July, with 2 sessions per week:
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Tuesdays — Playing Lab
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Thursdays — Writing & Production Lab
Each week is designed to build both your technical skillset and your creative voice.
🎻 Playing Lab (Tuesdays)
Learn how to sound like a modern, versatile string player.
You’ll explore:
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Groove-based playing and extended rhythm techniques (including chopping)
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Playing over chord progressions with confidence
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Improvisation and guided jam sessions
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Styles across pop, rock, country, and more
By the end, you’ll feel comfortable jumping into contemporary music settings and actually knowing what to play.
🎧 Writing & Production Lab (Thursdays)
Turn your ideas into real music.
You’ll learn how to:
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Create melodies and develop musical ideas
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Build chord progressions using the Nashville Number System
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Write and structure your own songs
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Arrange parts for a rhythm section
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Record and produce your music using basic studio tools
Students will be introduced to:
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Melody writing and song structure
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Harmonization and chord function
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Intro-level production and multi-track recording (GarageBand or similar DAW)
What You'll Gain
Confidence playing outside of classical music
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Improvisation and creative freedom on your instrument
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A foundational understanding of songwriting and arranging
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Real-world skills used by working musicians
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Experience recording and bringing your ideas to life
Write & Record an Original Song
Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with our mentors to write and develop your own original song.
In the final week, you’ll step into the studio to record your part over a fully produced track, walking away with a professional, original recording you can share with friends, family, and future collaborators.
Along the way, you’ll also gain real studio experience, including:
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Recording with a click track
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Microphone technique and studio etiquette
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Basic DAW workflow and multi-track recording
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How to layer and capture a clean, confident performance
This is more than a class—it’s a chance to create something that’s entirely your own and bring it to life at a professional level.
Mentors
EMILY MOORE / violin
@emilymooremusic
Trained in the driving melodies of Celtic fiddle traditions and the precision of the classical repertoire, Emily Moore is an active performer, educator, and entrepreneur based in Southern California. She began studying violin, piano, and pipe organ at the age of four and has remained a lifelong student of music, studying Contemporary Writing and Production and jazz violin at Berklee College of Music and earning her BM in Popular Music Performance from the University of Southern California. She continues her studies with the Suzuki Association.
Emily is the founder and Director of South Bay Music Conservatory, a thriving studio for piano and string students known for its high-level training and supportive community. As an educator, she is deeply committed to long-term musical growth and believes in the transformative power of music education for students and families alike.
In addition to her work in education, Emily is an active performer in the Los Angeles music scene. She has collaborated with a wide range of artists, performed at hundreds of private events, and recorded extensively across genres, with credits as an arranger, contractor, and violinist on major recording sessions, including collaborations with Post Malone, will.i.am, and Macy Gray. In 2021, she launched the Garden Concert Series in Redondo Beach, which quickly sold out its inaugural season, featuring Constellation Quartet alongside guest artists in an intimate outdoor setting.
Emily’s solo work blends classical technique with contemporary influences and is available on all major streaming platforms. She has also released music with Constellation Quartet and The Grand Tangent.
NICK ANTON / cello
@nickanton_music
Nick Anton is a musician and music educator from Queens, New York City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music, where he was awarded the Alexander Kouguell Award for Cello Excellence.
Nick began his professional career in 2017, playing cello and guitar for the hit Broadway show Waitress. He served as the cello/guitar chair of the first national tour of Waitress, performing across the U.S. and Canada between 2017 and 2019. Upon returning to New York City, Nick held the cello/guitar chair for the Off-Broadway production of Darling Grenadine, produced by the Roundabout Theatre Company. He later performed in the 2022 Broadway revival of 1776 and the 2023 revival of Sweeney Todd, starring Josh Groban. Since moving to Los Angeles, Nick has remained an active pit musician, recently performing in La Mirada’s production of Fiddler on the Roof, starring Jason Alexander, and Hadestown at the Pantages Theatre.
Nick has performed with artists including Sara Bareilles, Katharine McPhee, Jordin Sparks, Alan Cumming, Yandel, Del Water Gap, Matteo Lane, and Karen Elson. He is also an in-demand music producer, having produced dozens of albums for singer-songwriters across the U.S. In late 2025, Nick produced music for an animated short released by RuPaul’s Drag Race, starring Bob the Drag Queen and Monét X Change.
Nick is a dedicated music educator. He is the Director of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles Academy, a non-profit music school that provides free music education to children in south LA. Previously, he was a faculty member at Real Brave Audio in Queens, NY; The Larchmont Music Academy in Westchester, NY; and Guitar Guide Guru in Manhattan, NYC.
Audition Information
Enrollment is by audition only. To submit an application you need two things:
1. The application form
2. A video recording. You can find your audition requirements here.
Applications are due June 1st for priority enrollment.
Questions? Please reach out to info@sbmusicconservatory.com or text/call 424-399-5816
Scholarships
In an effort to make this opportunity equitable, a limited number of need-based financial scholarships are available. Please submit both required pieces for your application and be sure to check "Yes" on the schlarship question on the application form.
