Behind the Black Dots

I’m beyond excited to announce my new online video course for learning the viola da gamba in the most fun way possible – playing duets! This most beautiful instrument is also one of the most accessible to newcomers; one year of practice will open the door to much of the classic viol repertoire.

Together, we’ll explore the magnificent music of over four centuries, while I give you tips and tricks to help smooth your path.

What will you get?

The one-year course is divided into 4 levels, all online, so you can access any lesson and any level at any time you wish.

Each level consists of:

Lesson Videos. I introduce the piece by giving a short historical introduction, placing it into its social and musical context. Then I play the piece as a duet so you can watch what I do. This is followed by an in-depth lesson addressing the musical and technical challenges of that piece, and finally YOU get to play the melody with me playing the bass.
Duet Videos. These are audio and video duets; first you watch me, then you get to play along.
Teach Yourself. Sometimes you want to discover music on your own. I'll provide the music score so you can approach it on your own terms.
Tech Tips. These are short videos that address one particular technique for you to work on. Some are left-hand challenges, some are for the bow, but all will help move you forward in your mastery of the instrument.

Each of the above videos is accompanied by a beautiful edition of that composition, as a downloadable pdf for you to print out and keep.

And in addition, at a reduced rate for all subscribers, get the e-book of elegantly edited duets, including both the melody and the bass!

Watch how the course is structured

Learn the Viola da Gamba? Why?

Could one of these be you?

Stephen

Stephen is a cello student at a large state university where they have a gamba he can borrow. He's always had an affinity for Early Music so thinks this would be a perfect fit.

Isabelle

Isabelle first picked up the gamba over 40 years ago and has played in consorts off and on her whole life. She's become frustrated lately with her technique and would like tips on how to address some technical issues.

Flora

A young professional violinist, she recently inherited a viola da gamba from her grandfather and can't find a teacher in the area. She'd like to play music unrelated to her orchestral job, just for fun.

Marcus

Marcus is a busy freelance cello and gamba instructor. He has a full and lively studio, but would like to give his students more chamber music experience when they're not in his lessons.

Still have questions?

Where can I get an instrument?
Can you help me learn to read music?
What repertoire will we learn?

FAQs, I need you!

Ready to get started?

Fantastic, let's go!

Sign me up!

Curious about my teaching style?

Of course you are! Every teacher and every student is different; a personal click is essential.

Here you can watch me teach the Dowland song "Fine Knacks for Ladies,"
Level III of Behind the Black Dots.

Watch me teach!

Who am I?

Of course, if we embark on this journey together, you're going to want to know a bit more about me.

Greetings!

Hoi! I’m Cassandra, and I’m the founder of Behind the Black Dots. I started this online course because I’m passionate about sharing this beautiful instrument and its repertoire with a larger audience. If the last 30 years of teaching have taught me anything, it’s that the best way to learn is to play together. Practicing at home is fun and necessary, but it’s only when you’re playing with others that the true joy of music-making emerges. I wanted to give learners a chance to play with others, even if there are no gambists nearby. As I focus on adult learners, I believe that the best way to learn is to analyze. I’m convinced that if we understand something, we can play it. Let me show you how to make great music together!

My Performing Website

Here you can find out more about my performing career and my musical background.

My Recordings

We all know that Youtube is the place to go for recordings. Luckily, you can find me here, too!

What They Say

Don't take my word for it; here's what my students say about their lessons with me.

Her masterclasses were immediately tailored to the level of the player. They were pedagogically clear - a good mix of being strict, focused and respectful of the player’s abilities. She allows us to discover the musical line ourselves. I myself have grown through a better understanding of the underlying theory, opening my ears, which is wonderful. I can no longer just listen passively to music.

Lise H.

Baroque violin

First of all – ENORMOUS thanks for all the direction and tips you gave me. What a world has opened up! Adjusting my position and my right arm – I always knew there was more sound in my instrument, but now it’s really beginning to develop. Even more importantly, my left hand - the changes you made released all the tension I was holding. Suddenly I’m able to play fast notes with so much more ease and relaxation. Such valuable tips! I’m so incredibly happy!

Geertje K.

Cello

Cassandra's cello lessons are creative and inventive. She teaches me new and different ways of studying. (Her) thorough knowledge of musical theory is of added value in her lessons. This theory is laterally captured in her classes and this is enlightening, it is fun and educational.

Frederik F.

Baroque cello

Sound intriguing?

Click here to sign up for updates and to be the first to know when the project goes LIVE!

Photos by Foppe Schut, Maaike Eijkman and Jeroen Kuys.