USM involved in master classes March 16, April 5

The University of Southern Maine School of Music will co-present two master classes with local arts groups in March and April.

Master classes are open teaching sessions in which an esteemed artist listens and gives pointers to several musicians during a class, USM reported. Audiences are invited to witness the exchange and thereby learn a bit, too, about the particular issues the teacher chooses to focus on.

At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, the School and Portland Ovations will present a string master class featuring members of the St. Lawrence String Quartet in Hannaford Hall, Abromson Community Center, USM Portland. Admission is $5 to observe. The quartet will perform a concert later that evening. Call 780-5555 for more information.

Then at noon on Monday, April 5, the school will partner with the Portland Symphony Orchestra in a master class given by their featured artist, percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, in Merrill Auditorium, Portland. Admission is $5 to observe. For tickets call 773-6128 ext. 308.