Strings in an Hour
Never held a violin? In under an hour you will play in an orchestra.
About
Strings in an Hour is an elegant and surprising addition to a gala dinner, conference or awards evening, fitting naturally into Europe’s long tradition of classical music. It opens with professional instructors performing a beautiful piece, followed by a surprising announcement: within the hour, the audience will be playing too.
Each person receives a classical string instrument, either a violin or a viola, and the instructors lead a first lesson on holding it, using the bow and finding the notes.
Step by step, each section learns its own part of the final piece, growing in confidence with every run-through.
Finally, with a specially created backing track, the two sections come together and play as one orchestra. For a room full of beginners, hearing themselves sound like the real thing is a moment of genuine pride.
Learning outcomes
Strings in an Hour shows how quickly people can learn when they are well supported and share a clear goal.
Within minutes, colleagues who thought they had no musical ability are playing their first notes, which builds confidence and a willingness to try new things.
Each section must listen to the other and stay in time, developing focus, patience and empathy without anyone needing to talk about it.
Making music together releases positive energy and creates a strong sense of connection across levels, departments and nationalities.
The final performance becomes a story the team will share for years, and a reminder of what it can achieve together when everyone commits to learning.
It suits audiences of any size, and the instructors adapt the pace so that nobody is left behind.
Program flow
-
Listen first
Instructors perform a piece and reveal that everyone in the room will soon be playing.
-
Pick up an instrument
Each person receives a violin or viola and learns how to hold it and use the bow.
-
First lesson
Instructors guide the group through notes, bowing and timing at a comfortable pace.
-
Learn your part
Each section practises its own part of the final piece until it feels confident.
-
Perform
With a backing track, both sections play the piece together as one orchestra.
What is included
Included
- Professional facilitators on the day
- Professional string instructors
- Violins and violas for every participant
- Specially created backing track
- Final group performance
Not included
- Venue hire
- Catering and refreshments
- Audiovisual equipment
- Coach transfers
- Branded materials
Frequently asked questions
How many participants can take part?
From 10 to 500, all playing together as one group.
How long does it last?
Around 1.5 hours, including the briefing and wrap-up.
Do we need to read music?
No. The session is designed for complete beginners and everything is taught by ear and example.
Can it run indoors or outdoors?
It works best indoors, in a hotel function room, conference centre or large meeting space.
Which instruments are used?
Each participant plays either a violin or a viola.
All destinations
Symphony in Ninety Minutes
No musical background needed: in ninety minutes you play in a symphony.
All destinations
Singing Spirit Session
Find your voice, lift the room and sing as one team.
All destinations
Blues Harp Jam
Breathe in, blow out and jam the blues together.
All destinations
Online Song Circle
Sing together from anywhere and receive a track with every voice in it.
Request a quote for Strings in an Hour
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.