Welcome to helenfall.com! Helen is a performer and instructor of viola, violin, chamber music, and orchestral music. Explore the site to find out more.

Helen Fall Performance Bio   

For teaching information, please visit the Studio Resources page.

Tips on Staying Healthy During Coronavirus Outbreak This is a great video to help you keep your instrument clean and bacteria free.

How Does Music Benefit the Brain?

Research shows that music greatly benefits the brain. Read the article.

Studies reveal musical training in childhood aids language learning ability

Just one hour a week of musical interaction greatly increases linguistic aptitude, even into adulthood. Read the article from The Strad magazine.

New Statistics Linking Music Education to Cognitive Development
It’s long been accepted that music education helps students become more prepared for a lifetime of learning. New studies now show statistical evidence linking music lessons to measurable gains in focus, discipline, and critical thinking, meaning the connection between music and learning is now stronger than ever. Read more.

That 'Useless' Liberal Arts Degree Has Become Tech's Hottest Ticket

From Forbes Magazine: Big tech employers are widening their hiring horizons beyond the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering and math. Larry Quinlan, Deloitte’s chief information officer, argues in favor of “STEAM,” in which the A stands for the arts. “It’s not enough to be technologically brilliant,” Quinlan says. “We need senior people who understand business processes, too.” Read more.

Arts Education Fuels the Economy

We all know that studying music and art is good for your brain, but did you know that the arts are also good for the economy? Read why here.

A Musical Fix for American Schools
From the Wall Street Journal: More evidence that keeping music programs in schools helps boost IQ, test scores, creative thinking for scientists, and the list goes on.

Monthly Studio Newsletters
Click on the "More" button above, then click on "Newsletters" 

PERFORMANCE MASTERCLASSES!
Our first Performance Masterclasses were hugely successful!
Every student came with at least one good idea to share for practicing. All of the ideas were terrific and so helpful!! The list of the ideas Student Resources page of this website.

The mock auditions on Sunday were illuminating, and our auditionees learned a lot from the experience!
Everyone who performed solos with and without piano accompaniment played well! It was a first for several students, and they proved their mettle as musicians already! Bravi, all!

We celebrated the addition of SIX students this year! In the Violin Performance Masterclass we welcomed Logan and Morgan! In the Viola Performance Masterclass we welcomed Erya, Alyssa, Evelyn and Sarah! Everyone was glad to celebrate with cake!

29th ANNUAL SPRING RECITAL                 
The Annual Spring Recital was a wonderful gift of music from all of the Fall Studio students to family and friends. It was a proud moment for this  teacher to see each student rise to the occasion and show the awesome fruits of her labor.
Special thanks to Ms. Liu for her fabulous playing at the recital. Thanks to Ms. Liu, Mr. Lin, and Mrs Richardson for their help and support throughout the year!

SPRING FESTIVAL NEWS
A big shout-out to ALL students who performed in the Spring Festival on March 11th!! All students received Superior Ratings from both judges! I am a #ProudTeacher of a 100% Superior Studio! The students all worked hard, and it paid off! Bravi!!!!

FEBRUARY NVMTA GENERAL RECITAL 

Claire and Kelly performed a duet in the NVMTA General Recital at the Woman’s Club of Arlington on February 6th. It was their first time performing outside of the studio! Their performance was above and beyond!

Clara, Kate and Mallory performed a 3-movement Mozart trio at the second NVMTA General Recital of the day on February 6th. Their performance was stellar!

It was delightful to see Fall Studio violinists and violists add diversity and spice to what would have otherwise been just plain vanilla piano recitals! Bravi!!

29th ANNUAL WINTER RECITAL
The December 11th Winter Recital was a Huge Success!! Everyone played their best, and the residents at the Leewood Healthcare Center were so appreciative!!
Bravi, all!!          

IN-PERSON NVMTA GENERAL RECITAL!
In the first in-person NVMTA event since COVID, Jinger, Colleen, and Lynelle performed at the Woman's Club of Arlington on November 13th. It was exciting to be able to join students from other studios in this momentous event! BRAVI!!

PERFORMANCE MASTERCLASSES #1A and 1B
Our first performance masterclasses were a great kickoff for an exciting year of learning music together! Everyone came with great ideas to share for practice. This year's list is posted on the Student Resources page.
Photo below is of Group A with our new members, Claire and Kelly. Video below is from Group B welcoming Claire and Kelly. Everyone was happy to have a reason to eat yummy cake. Thanks, and welcome, Claire and Kelly! 😃

***********************************************************

2021-2022 Orchestra Honors
BRAVI to these Stellar Students!!

2021 District XI Senior Honors Orchestra
Kate, Concertmaster!
Clara, Assistant Concertmaster!
Lynelle, 3rd chair 2nd violin (placed 7th)
Mallory, section 1st violin (placed 9th)
Colleen, section 1st violin (placed 21st)

WT Woodson HS Philharmonic Orchestra
Clara, Co-Concertmaster

Fairfax HS Chamber Orchestra
Colleen, Assistant Principal 2nd Violin

TCSYO Orchestras
Symphonic Orchestra
Colleen, Section 2nd Violin

**************

SURPRISE VISITS FROM FORMER STUDENTS ARE THE BEST!
It was a welcome surprise to see former viola student, Matt Negrin at our door. Currently living in New York City, Matt is the Senior Digital Producer for Comedy Central's The Daily Show. Matt came back to Fairfax to visit his parents...and Mr. and Mrs. Fall!! Matt remembers Fall's Law!!

***************************************************

KUDOS TO STELLAR STUDENTS!!

          *********************************************

*******************************************************

I loved getting a text and photo from former violin students, Bobby Chase (Humming House fiddler, composer, arranger, and recording engineer), and Eleonore Denig (composer, arranger, and recording session professional), who shared a stand in a Nashville recording session with singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress, Lauryn Hill. They both remember Fall's Law! ;-)