Summer Jam Updates
Dr. Kate Carter is a Chicago-based violinist who enjoys a varied career as a performer, recording artist, chamber music collaborator, teacher, and clinician. A member of the Chicago Philharmonic and the Elgin Symphony, she also performs regularly with the Lyric Opera Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, and many other groups in the Chicago area. Her recording credits include two critically acclaimed albums for violin and piano with her ensemble, Blue Violet Duo (www.bluevioletduo.com), as well as with ensembles including Camerata Chicago, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, and Ensemble Nouvelle Epoque. She has participated in the premieres of many new works as a performer with the Grossman Ensemble, Rochester Women in Music Festival, Ear Taxi, and Thirsty Ears Festival. She has performed internationally as a member of Camerata Chicago and the Lucerne Academy Orchestra.
A dedicated instructor, Dr. Carter teaches violin at North Park University and the Northwestern University Music Academy, and she gives clinics and master classes regularly throughout the US, including multiple speaking engagements at the American String Teachers Association National Conference. Dr. Carter holds degrees in music from Northwestern University and the Eastman School of Music. A California native, she is proud to call Chicago her adopted hometown.
Musicians will prepare a solo piece or etude to perform. This is a great opportunity for players to receive feedback from experienced professionals, and is perfect for anyone preparing for auditions! If you are interested and haven’t yet filled out the form, please sign up here and we will contact you.
While a piano will be provided, participants are responsible for acquiring and funding their own accompaniment if needed.
Our next bonus Challenge is the July 4th Group Challenge!
Starting now through July 6th, make a video playing your favorite patriotic song with at least one other person and Submit a video through our website. Your group members don’t have to be string players or enrolled in the Summer Music Jam to participate. Does mom play piano? Maybe a little brother has a kazoo? One lucky group will be selected as the winner, and they will get to choose a Glasser Colored Bow OR Manhasset Colored Music Stand!!!
Don’t miss out on a chance to win one of these great prizes!
Congratulations to our 2024 July 4th Group Challenge winners Reese and Chloe O.!!!
Check out their video below for inspiration!
This premium Fiberglass bow is comfortable in the hand and plays with outstanding responsiveness. It offers the same weight and feel as a student model Brazil wood bow, yet will not warp or break at the tip. It is available in a variety of colors!
Stick Colors: Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Silver and Gold
Hair Colors: Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Red, White and Black
This challenge will continue through July 6th.
The first challenge of this year’s Austin’s Summer Music Jam is Bingo!
Standard bingo rules apply, complete five squares in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Submit your card or return it to our Shop by August 4th to be entered to win. Remember, pictures or it didn’t happen so make sure you submit photos or videos of you practicing outside, taking a selfie with your instrument, improvising a solo, etc. to prove you got BINGO! You will earn 1 entry for your first bingo, but you can earn additional entries by submitting pictures or videos of you completing any square activity, even if they are not in your bingo! Three winners will be selected!
You could win…
Clarity Colored Rosin: Clarity Rosin is hypo-allergenic. Made from a synthetic hydrocarbon resin compound that substantially improves the properties of rosin producing a clear string response. The hydrophobic material resists absorption of moisture making it unaffected by humidity, keeping its tack or effectiveness over time. Non-corrosive to instrument varnish. Available in fun colors for Violin, Viola and Cello. Alternative rosin options available for bass.
Large Chocolate Violin: Back by popular demand, the large chocolate instruments are 7.5” tall and are available in Milk or Dark Chocolate, these are made for our shop by Graham’s Chocolates in Geneva.
Alfred’s Music Playing Cards: Classical Composers are a fun and playful way for your students to learn about the great composers and are perfect for any studio or classroom!
Welcome to the 6th Annual
and thank you for signing up!
This year Austin’s Summer Music Jam will be 2 months running from June 1st to July 31st . To earn their reward each month, your student must complete the average number of practice minutes per day required by their level. So, don’t worry about missing days because of vacation, you can practice a little extra the other days!
There is a regular practice log and a color-in calendar version for our youngest participants. Please initial to verify that the practice has been completed.
Turn in your form by uploading a picture of your completed log on the Submit page or in person at our Shop no later than August 4th.
Any participant who meets their practice goal will be entered to win one of three GRAND PRIZES: a $100.00, $75.00, or $50.00 Austin’s gift certificate that can be used toward merchandise, luthier services or even monthly rental fees!
In addition to the practice challenge, students can win exciting prizes by participating in bonus challenges to be announced throughout the competition. These items include everything from stickers to chocolate violins, Glasser colored bows to concert tickets!
Bonus Challenges will be announced throughout the Summer Music Jam via email and on this page.
Make sure your student has plenty of material for all this summer practicing. Check your email for the coupon code so you can take advantage of your book discounts! Discounts are available in-store or online. We have a huge selection of music at our Shop and are adding more books to our online store each week! Not seeing what you are looking for? We can always order it!
Flat Austin
Going on vacation and worried you won’t be able to participate in Austin’s Summer Music Jam? Good news, we’ve got you covered! Print and decorate Flat Austin and take him with you on your summer-time adventures, go to the Submit page to upload a photo and tell us where he went to earn one free day’s worth of practice minutes (15, 30, or 45 depending on your level) per adventure. We can’t wait to see all the places he will go!
The Flat Austin challenge will continue the length of ASMJ through July 31st.
Sharing your Summer Jam pictures and videos on social media is not required, but always encouraged! Follow us to see what other participants are doing and keep up with the latest shop news!
