Interested in viola da gamba and early music? Get started on this beautiful instrument easily with a rental instrument and a flexible curriculum that adapts to your interest and abilities. Instructor Jane Hershey, a respected member of the Viola da Gamba Society of New England, will help you craft the perfect combination of lessons and/or ensembles to fit your lifestyle.
Consorts
Our viol consorts are well suited for you if you have a solid background in music but a limited amount of time you can commit to playing each week. If you have good musicianship skills (on the viol or another instrument) and are ready to dive in, the music we play in each consort offers just the right amount of challenge without being too demanding or overwhelming. Our continuing consorts are listed below – we have 1 or 2 open spots in each consort for you to claim, or we can create a new consort if there is enough interest.
Click here to ask about joining a consort.
Private Lessons
If you’re a beginner, don’t read music yet, or want to improve your ensemble skills before jumping right into a consort, we encourage you to start with private lessons first. Even a limited number of lessons can help you develop good technique, keep a steady rhythm, gain experience with more advanced repertoire, and hear how you fit into the bigger picture of an ensemble. Then test your new skills in an ensemble setting!
Click here to ask about private lessons.
How do I know which program is right for me?
Fill out our online inquiry form and we’ll have Jane reach out to help you design your own viola da gamba program! She can help you figure out whether an existing consort, a new consort, private lessons, or a combination of these is the best option for you. Depending on your interest, ability, and schedule, there is some flexibility with the length and frequency of private lessons.
Instrument rentals
Powers maintains a unique collection of viols in all different sizes that are available to rent. To rent instruments, please contact the Operations Manager at office@powersmusic.org for more information and a rental agreement form.
Please see this brief document on the history and care for these instruments.
Rental periods*:
- Full-year Rental: September 1 – August 15. If the instrument is needed for the following year, it first must be returned to the office by August 15 so that the instrument can be checked out for any appropriate maintenance.
- Fall Semester Rental: September 2021 – January 2022
- Spring Semester Rental: January 2022 – May 2022
- Summer Semester Rental: June 2022 – August 2022
*Other rental periods outside these times can be arranged with the office.
Rental rates:
- Viol, full year $450
- Viol, 1 semester $200
- Viol, Special Introductory rate: $100 for 3 months, (after this period, the viol can be renewed for 6 or 12 month term)