Violinist Karel Abo in Charleston, SC
for small only, Violinist Karel Abo

Karel Abo's Violin Studio

Welcome to Karel Abo's Violin Studio. I teach violin to students of all ages and levels. I also offer private lessons to adult violinists and coachings for chamber music groups.

I give private lessons to students from Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and their surrounding areas in South Carolina.

Please navigate through my website, and contact me if you have any further questions or need additional information.

Karel Abo on the campus of College of Charleston
Mansion in Charleston
for small only, photo of Circa 1886

Bio

Karel Abo in downtown Charleston, SC

Karel Abo, violinist, currently serves as Associate Concertmaster with the Midland Symphony Orchestra. An avid performer, Ms. Abo also plays with the Lansing Symphony, the Alma Symphony, Charleston Symphony, and other symphony orchestras throughout the United States.

Ms. Abo is an active recitalist and chamber musician who is frequently invited as a guest artist at faculty recitals, concerts, and music conferences at universities and colleges. Besides an active performer in Michigan, Ms. Abo has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, including prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and St. Luke's Cathedral.

As a violin teacher, Ms. Abo maintains a private violin studio in Charleston, South Carolina. She is on the faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Many of her private students have been accepted into prestigious music schools such as University of Michigan and Cleveland Institute of Music and have gone on to become successful music educators and performers.

Karel frequently works with local and regional middle and high school orchestras, running sectionals, chamber music coachings, and string clinics.

Ms. Abo received her bachelor degree in violin performance at Michigan State University. Her primary teachers have been Robert Dan and Andrew Jennings.

Church at twilight in Charleston
for small only, Church at twilight in Charleston

Violin & Viola Lessons

Violinist Karel Abo standing in front of white pillars

Teaching Philosophy

I use the Suzuki method in combination with other methods and my own ideas to cater to individual students' development. I believe that everybody has a different way of learning and that it is important for a teacher to be flexible in method and thought. Learning critical thinking and being able to teach oneself at home outside of the lesson is a very important part of my teaching style.

I think the most important job as a teacher is to inspire and teach my students to love music as much as I do. Then, it is important to train the ear for not only intonation, but also tone production and colors. Of course, it is also necessary to teach the right and left hand techniques that allow for musical expression.

It is also important to learn the skills necessary to deal with the mental aspects of performance. Criticism and competition can be difficult to deal with at any age, and I feel it is important that students are prepared for the pressures of performing at any level.

I am willing to take any student of any age or experience as long as there is a commitment to learning and improving. It is never too late to learn. I have had many adult students who have made great improvements in their "hobby". There has been a lot of research that has shown the benefits of learning an instrument, even later in life.

Accomplishments

My students have gone on to become professional musicians both as music educators and performers, have attended conservatories and universities such as Stony Brook University, University of Michigan, and Cleveland Institute of Music. Many of my students have participated in music festivals including Interlochen Arts Camp, Meadowmount School of Music and have received highest marks at Solo and Ensemble.

Lesson Duration and Location

Lessons are scheduled once a week at 25 min., 40 min., or 55 min. intervals. Chamber music coachings are also available. I have a studio in downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Please contact me for information on scheduling and rates.

Requirements

  • Positive attitude to constructive criticism during lessons
  • Openness and eagerness to learn
  • Commitment to daily practice
Sunset at a bridge in Charleston
for small only, Sunset at a bridge in Charleston

Emerald Isle String Haven

Emerald Isle String Haven campers playing

String Camp for Adults

Emerald Isle String Haven is a summer camp for adult string players. We have participants from all over the country and of all skill levels. There is no audition required, only a positive attitude and a willingness to explore musical technique with others.

Dates and Location

Sunday, June 26th - Friday, July 1st, 2022
Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center
Clarkston, Michigan

Haven for String Enthusiasts

This camp is aimed toward enthusiastic adult amateur violinists, violists, and cellists who enjoy playing music in solo, chamber music, and orchestral settings. Our goal is to help those who wish to improve their playing by learning new techniques, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of techniques they already know.

The Curriculum

Violinist at EISH playing

Technique Workshops

Classes on various aspects of string playing such as mapping of the fingerboard, vibrato, and different kinds of bow techniques.

Chamber music group at EISH

Chamber Music

You will be assigned a group and piece prior to the camp and we work on the ensemble aspects of the string playing.

EISH string chamber orchestra session

String Chamber Orchestra

Everyone gets together and plays the great repertoire for string orchestra.

EISH faculty rehearsing

Faculty Recital

Faculty rehearsals are open to the public, so participants can observe and learn how to rehearse effectively in a chamber music group.

EISH cello section

Lots of Fun Playing Music

A place where you can enjoy spending time with people who share the same kind of passion toward music all day long!

Campfire at Colombiere Retreat Center

Campfire and Other Fun Activities

Campfire the last night! There are many good eats and charming shops in downtown Clarkston as well.

More Information

Camp Schedule

Download a PDF sample of a camp schedule

EISH Official Website

Visit the official webpage at CelloProfessor.com

Social Media

Visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

Gillard Center at night
for small only, Gaillard Center at night

Recordings

Videos

Beethoven: String Quartet Op.59, No.3, 1st movement

Beethoven: String Quartet, Op.59, No.3, 3rd and 4th movements

Media for Sale

Ballet CD cover photo
Tutus 3's & 4's

Original Orchestral Ballet Pieces for Recital

Available at
Brio Recordings

A historic street in Charleston, SC
for small only, A historic street in Charleston, SC

Contact

Karel posing with a violin
email

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email at