Tutti Strings

In music, Tutti means “performed all together.”

Type of Ensemble: Tutti Strings is a preparatory ensemble for any young violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp player ages 8 – 12 with at least a year of playing experience. Tutti (2T) will focus on technique and basic ensemble skills while having fun! If you are interested in playing music, making new friends, performing in concerts, and learning more about playing your instrument, this ensemble is perfect for you!

Typical Tutti Students: Tutti is for any young musician (violin, viola, cello, bass, harp) between ages 8-12 with at least one year of experience (school instruction or private/institutional instruction). Harpists in Tutti are likely lever harpists and must be able to bring their own instrument.

Conductor: Tutti is conducted by Mr. Pierce Cook, the same conductor as Symphonette. See Artistic Staff for more information about Mr. Cook. 

Coaches: In addition to instruction by Mr. Cook, this ensemble will have resident Music Educator Lab Interns from Duquesne University who will assist weekly with tuning, “instrument first-aid,” playing in rehearsals, breakout sessions, etc.

Performances: Tutti will perform between two to four concerts a year, focusing on performances at Duquesne University and Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, but some community performances may also be a possibility.

Rehearsals: Tutti 2022-23 season rehearsals were held on Saturdays from 2:00-3:30 PM at the Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University, starting in September through May.

How to Enroll: To apply for the 2023-24 season, students should fill out TRYPO’s Audition Application Form. Participation in Tutti is open to any young violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp player with at least a year of playing experience as long as space is available. After this form is received, the family will receive confirmation that a spot is available and an invitation to complete the Large Ensemble Registration Form. The student will be scheduled for a placement audition and interview with Mr. Cook, but placement in Tutti is guaranteed as long as the student has the required one year of playing experience and the ensemble has openings. (If a student fills out the audition form for Tutti and the ensemble is already full, the audition fee will be refunded.)

Repertoire: Tutti performs an engaging variety of music of different styles appropriate to the students’ level.

Tuition: 2022-23 Tuition Fees are as follows. Visit our Tuition Assistance page for more information about scholarships.

• Financial aid and scholarship assistance are always available, and it is easier than ever to ask for what you need. Families should not be discouraged from applying to TRYPO due to financial limitations. Visit our Tuition Assistance page for more information about scholarships.
• Family Discounts: TRYPO offers a family discount for households with a child or children registered in more than one Sept-May TRYPO program. The first enrolled program will be charged at full price, but all subsequent programs qualify for $50 off per semester ($100/year).

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at staff@trypo.org