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.

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.

MASTERCLASS #6 will begin with students who are performing in the February NVMTA Recitals and Bland Competition. Following that, students will perform solo repertoire in progress with piano.
MASTERCLASS #7 will focus on the Spring Festival, with mock judging by guest judges.

As always, a link to performance selections and order will be posted on the studio website calendar about a week ahead.

DIANA WADE VIOLA MASTERCLASS          

It was a thrill to host another masterclass in Mrs. Fall’s home with master teacher Diana Wade, a rising star in the viola world, and Fall Studio alumnus. Four students played for Diana, including Audrey, Jason, and Tyler from the Fall Studio. Also performing from the Alina Kershon-Goldman Studio, was Pablo Ronderas. Diana has earned her stripes as an expert in the interpretation of the music of Paul Hindemith. 3 of the 4 students performed Hindemith for the class. Area teachers were in attendance, as were students from other teaching studios. Diana has a contract to record all of the Hindemith sonatas for viola – solo sonatas, and sonatas with piano. At the end of the class, Diana treated us all to a performance of Hindemith’s Solo Sonata, Op. 31, No. 4, the work she is currently preparing for the next recording.

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

KUDOS TO STELLAR STUDENTS!!

Bravi to Jason and Tyler for outstanding performances at the January 11th NVMTA General Recital!

Bravo to John, who received Honors at the January12th NVMTA Judged Recital. This is John’s second award of Honors for the first semester!
As an honored soloist, John has been invited to participate in the 1st semester NVMTA Honors Recital on February 9th.

Congratulations to Jason, Tyler, and John for acceptance, and performance in, the Northern Senior Regional Orchestra!

Bravi to ALL students for a FABULOUS Winter Recital at the Leewood Nursing Home! Your performances were heartfelt and so appreciated by the residents there.

Bravo to Tyler, who was selected for Honorable Mention, and John, who received Honors at the December 7th Strings-only Judged Recital!
As an honored soloist, John has been invited to participate in the 1st semester NVMTA Honors Recital on February 9th.

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

2019-2020 Orchestra Honors
BRAVI to these Stellar Students!!

2019 Northern Senior Regional Orchestra
Jason, Principal Viola! (for the 3rd consecutive year!)
Tyler, Section Viola (5)
John, Section Viola (6)

2019 District 11 Senior Honors Orchestra
Audrey Principal viola!!
Clara Principal 2nd violin! 

2018 District 12 Senior Honors Orchestra
Cady – Section Second Violin

AYPO Orchestras
Philharmonic Orchestra
John, Section Viola and
Chamber Ensemble Program
Symphonic Orchestra
Cady, Section 1st Violin

TCSYO
Jason and Tyler have been accepted to the Symphonic Orchestra

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Jason, Principal Viola (Symphonic Orchestra)

Herndon High School
John, Principal Viola

South Lakes High School
Cady, Concertmaster (Chamber Orchestra)

WT Woodson High School
Audrey, Principal Viola (Chamber Orchestra)

*********

2018-2019 Orchestra Honors
BRAVI to these Stellar Students!!

2019 Virginia All-State Orchestra
Section Violas:
Jason (7)
Tyler (9)
John (14)

2019 Prince William All-County Orchestra
David, Assistant Concertmaster

2018 Northern Senior Regional Orchestra
Jason, Principal Viola! (for the 2nd consecutive year!)
Tyler, Section Viola (4)
John, Section Viola (10)

2018 North Central Senior Regional Orchestra
David, Assistant Concertmaster!

2018 District 11 Junior Honors Orchestra
Clara Section 1st violin (#4 overall!)
Kate Section 2nd violin

2018 District 11 Senior Honors Orchestra
Crystal Assistant Principal viola!!
Audrey Section viola
Lynelle Section 1st violin

2018 District 12 Senior Honors Orchestra
Cady – Section First Violin

AYPO Orchestras
Philharmonic Orchestra
Crystal, Section Viola

Symphonic Orchestra
John, Section Viola

Concert Orchestra
Clara, Section Violin

TCSYO Orchestras
Symphonic Orchestra
Jason, Principal Viola
Tyler, Section Viola

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Jason, Principal Viola (Symphonic Orchestra)
Lynelle, Concertmaster (Sinfonia Orchestra)

Lake Braddock High School
Crystal, Principal Viola

Herndon High School
John, Principal Viola

Battlefield High School
David, Assistant Concertmaster

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

Performance Masterclass #1A
At Group A's class we welcomed Colleen and Mallory  to the studio with cake. Both violinists, Colleen is a 7th grader at Lanier Middle School, and Mallory is a 9th grader at WT Woodson HS.

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! ;-)