Our vision
At Arborway String Studio, we are passionate about nurturing a love for music through personalized instruction in violin, viola, and cello. Our private string studios in Jamaica Plain are led by the sister and brother team of Melanie and Stephen Dyball, who bring their extensive experience and deep commitment to music education to every lesson.
Melanie and Stephen offer tailored instruction for students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. With a focus on developing strong technical skills, musical expression, and a comprehensive understanding of the repertoire, they ensure that each student receives individualized attention to meet their unique goals.
In addition to their individual teaching, Melanie and Stephen come together to provide unique group experiences and performance opportunities. Students benefit from their combined expertise through ensemble playing and chamber music, which enhances their collaborative skills and broadens their musical experience.
Stephen Dyball is an accomplished musician originally from Australia. He came to the US to study at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music while studying with Yitzak Schotten. After an appointment with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Stephen returned to the U.S. to refine his skills, completing a Master’s degree in Music at The Juilliard School under the guidance of Samuel Rhodes.
Stephen has held a position with the Virginia Symphony and has been a freelance musician in Boston, performing regularly with ensembles such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Boston Ballet, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Rhode Island Philharmonic, and the BBC Concert Orchestra. With years of teaching experience, Stephen is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians. He offers personalized instruction in his private violin and viola studio in Jamaica Plain, where he helps students of all levels develop their technique, musicality, and ensemble skills, including chamber music.
Melanie Dyball is an experienced cellist with a rich performing career spanning both Australia and the United States. She performs with New England’s distinguished musical organizations, including the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, the Boston Lyric Opera Orchestra, the Boston Ballet Orchestra, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In Australia, she performed numerous live and studio-recorded recitals for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Trained by Australia’s leading Suzuki pedagogue, Lois Shepheard, and further educated by Dr. Tanya Carey at Western Illinois University, Melanie also holds performance diplomas from the New England Conservatory, where she studied with Laurence Lesser. At age 23, she joined the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra before returning to the U.S. to continue her studies and teaching career.
With over 25 years of experience, Melanie now teaches students in her private studio in Jamaica Plain. She has also coached chamber music and led orchestral tutorials at the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra and NEC Preparatory School.
Chamber Music Program for Youth
Discover the joy of making music together in our Chamber Music Program, designed for young musicians who may not be involved in more formal chamber music programs. In this program, students have the unique opportunity to collaborate weekly in small coached ensembles, developing their musicality, teamwork, and communication skills. Participants will explore a diverse repertoire, learning to listen and respond to each other in a supportive and creative environment.. Develop important musical skills while building lifelong friendships through the power of ensemble performance. This opportunity is available to string players who are taking lessons with any teacher. Groups are formed based on interest and ability, and will be scheduled based on participant availability.
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