The Wisconsin Youth Viol Consort (formerly the Madison Youth Viol Consort), founded in 2017, is a part of the Viola da Gamba Society of America's nationwide Consort Loan Program.
Viroqua Viols is a new offering for intergenerational players of all musical backgrounds who are interested in learning to play the viol and studying historical performance. Instruments for Viroqua Viols are also provided by the VdGSA CLP as well as my personal collection of viols.
Both the WYVC and Viroqua Viols offer instruments to use free of charge, and classes are provided for a modest rate.
Viola da gamba consort music engages the heart and mind for a lifetime of music making through the beautiful and complex logic of renaissance counterpoint and the rich resonance of gut strings and acoustic wooden instruments.
What is a viol? Click Here for information from the VdGSA
Founded in 2017, the Wisconsin Youth Viol Consort offers a unique experience in historical performance for school aged students in Wisconsin. Students learn to play the viola da gamba (treble, tenor, or bass) with a focus on repertoire from the renaissance (late 1400's through 1500's). WYVC has performed on WORT FM's Musica Antiqua, as guests with the Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble, and at the Chazen Museum of Art as part of the annual Bach Around the Clock celebration.
Currently Enrolling for new students for the 2025-2026 School year!
Who
Any string player (violin, viola, cello, bass, classical guitar) with a sense of adventure. Strong reading skills are essential. Students should be playing at or above a Suzuki book 4 or equivalent level.
What
Students will learn the layout of the viola da gamba strings and fret board, how to hold the instrument comfortably, hold the bow underhanded, and learn fundamentals of historically-informed style. Students will learn new clefs, repertoire without bar-lines, and polyphonic part music. We will focus on dance music from the renaissance (late 1400's-1500's) and polyphonic consort music. Advanced students may also study baroque repertoire.
When
Classes will be held for an hour, once per week during the fall of 2025 and spring of 2026 (12 weeks per semester). Time will be determined by the schedules of participants.
Where
The Commons,401 E Jefferson St. Viroqua, WI
Cost
Instruments are provided free of charge by the Viola da Gamba Society of America as well as my own personal collection! Tuition will be $150 per semester (12 weeks per semester, fall 2025 and spring 2026.
How to Sign Up
Sign up here.
Any questions? Contact me here.
Instructor Bio
Music educator, Eric Miller teaches cello, trumpet, and viola da gamba lessons to students all ages and abilities at his home in Viroqua, Wisconsin and also maintains a studio of cello students in Madison. He is director of the Viola da Gamba Society of America's Young Players' Weekend, founder of the Wisconsin Youth Viol Consort, and has taught at the Madison Early Music Festival, the Blue Lake Family Suzuki Camp, and the Madison Bach Musicians Summer Chamber Workshop. He is trained in the Suzuki Method, is a member of board for the Suzuki Association of Wisconsin, and holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Eric performs as a viola da gambist, cellist, and occasional trumpeter around the Midwest, currently performing with the Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble and frequently giving solo recitals. Other performance credits include the Madison Bach Musicians, a recent collaboration with the Gesualdo Six, Just Bach Concerts, the Madison Choral Project, the Madison Chamber Choir, Madison Youth Choirs, and American Players Theater as well as countless chamber music projects, mostly centered around historical performance.
Currently Enrolling for new students for the 2025-2026 School year!
Who
Any string player (violin, viola, cello, bass, classical guitar) with a sense of adventure. Strong reading skills are essential. Students should be playing at or above a Suzuki book 4 or equivalent level.
What
Students will learn the layout of the viola da gamba strings and fret board, how to hold the instrument comfortably, hold the bow underhanded, and learn fundamentals of historically-informed style. Students will learn new clefs, repertoire without bar-lines, and polyphonic part music. We will focus on dance music from the renaissance (late 1400's-1500's) and polyphonic consort music. Advanced students may also study baroque repertoire.
When
Classes will be held for an hour, once per week during the fall of 2025 and spring of 2026 (12 weeks per semester). Time will be determined by the schedules of participants.
Where
The Commons,401 E Jefferson St. Viroqua, WI
Cost
Instruments are provided free of charge by the Viola da Gamba Society of America as well as my own personal collection! Tuition will be $150 per semester (12 weeks per semester, fall 2025 and spring 2026.
How to Sign Up
Sign up here.
Any questions? Contact me here.
Instructor Bio
Music educator, Eric Miller teaches cello, trumpet, and viola da gamba lessons to students all ages and abilities at his home in Viroqua, Wisconsin and also maintains a studio of cello students in Madison. He is director of the Viola da Gamba Society of America's Young Players' Weekend, founder of the Wisconsin Youth Viol Consort, and has taught at the Madison Early Music Festival, the Blue Lake Family Suzuki Camp, and the Madison Bach Musicians Summer Chamber Workshop. He is trained in the Suzuki Method, is a member of board for the Suzuki Association of Wisconsin, and holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Eric performs as a viola da gambist, cellist, and occasional trumpeter around the Midwest, currently performing with the Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble and frequently giving solo recitals. Other performance credits include the Madison Bach Musicians, a recent collaboration with the Gesualdo Six, Just Bach Concerts, the Madison Choral Project, the Madison Chamber Choir, Madison Youth Choirs, and American Players Theater as well as countless chamber music projects, mostly centered around historical performance.