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 #1 – A GREAT KICKOFF TO THE NEW YEAR!

In Groups A and B we welcomed new violin students Lynelle and Cady!

and students shared Great Ideas for Practice!! Click here.     ***********************************************************

Bravi to the following Fall Studio Students for Successful Auditions and Performances in the following orchestras (2017-2018):

AYP Orchestras
Symphonic Orchestra
John - Section viola
Crystal - Section viola
String Ensemble
Clara - Section 1st Violin

TCSYO
Symphonic Orchestra
Jason - Principal viola
Tyler - Section viola

Concertmasters and Principals
Brooke - Concertmaster, Langley HS Symphonic Orchestra
Jason -  Principal Viola, Symphonic Orchestra at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology 
Crystal - Principal Viola, Lake Braddock High School Symphony Orchestra

Brooke was appointed Concertmaster of the 2017 Virginia Governor’s School Summer Music Institute!!

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Bravi to the following Fall Studio Students for Successful Auditions and Performances in the following orchestras (2016-2017):

2017 Virginia All-State Orchestra
David and Brooke violin section.
Jason  viola section.
Tyler came in as First Alternate Viola! Next year!!

2016 Northern SRO Orchestra
Brooke - Section First Violin
Jason - Assistant Principal Viola
Tyler - Section Viola

2016 North Central SRO Orchestra
David - Section First Violin

2016 District 12 Honors Orchestras
JDO - John, Section Viola

2016 DIstrict 11 Honors Orchestras
SDO - Audrey & Crystal, Section Viola

AYP Symphonic Orchestra
David - Co-Concertmaster
AYP Concert Orchestra
John - Principal Viola
AYP String Ensemble
Clara - Section 2nd Violin

Concertmasters and Principals
Audrey - Principal Viola, WT Woodson HS
Brooke - Principal 2nd Violin, Langley HS
John - Principal Viola, Herndon MS 
Maddy - Principal VIola, Holton-Arms Upper School
Isabella - Assistant Concertmaster, Robinson Area Orchestra