Inspiring Listeners for Life

First Creatures offers:

  • in-school performances, featuring a variety of musicians and programs,

  • music listening classes for adults, available online or in-person,

  • and pajama parties featuring live musical performances which are free and open to the public.

Contact Ellen at ellen.cockerham@gmail.com if you’re interested in any of these programs!

In-School Programs

Melodia: Great Women of Music

  • This program features music written by women, performed by women. Drawing from both classical and popular traditions, the setlist includes music ranging from the Italian Renaissance to the present day, from places like Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Puerto Rico, and more. Students will also learn about various careers in music that are possible.

  • 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass, piano, and vocals

  • 30-60 minutes (according to school’s needs)

  • Video link

  • Melodia is a group of professional musicians dedicated to shining a light on music written by women in both classical and popular styles, from the 16th century to the present day. This program features:

    Laura Ann Singh, vocals

    Marlysse Simmons, piano

    Ellen Cockerham Riccio, violin

    Treesa Gold, violin

    Kimberly Ryan, viola

    Steph Barrett, cello

    Ayça Kartari, double bass

Rosette: Ady’s Violin

  • An educational program for string quartet and narrator, Ady’s Violin traces the journey of Ady’s beloved fiddle, from a violin shop in Cremona, all the way down through the centuries until it reaches Ady’s hands. In the eyes of Suzy, Ady’s 10-year-old daughter, the violin is transformed from a dusty household object into a keeper of secrets, an adventurous world-traveler, and a constant friend. Includes music by Beethoven, Haydn, Tchaikovsky, and more.

  • 2 violins, viola, and cello

  • 30-45 minutes (according to the needs of the school)

  • Video link

  • Rosette is a Richmond-based string quartet that loves to make meaningful connections through music. The group formed in 2015, and in 2021, they started the popular So Hot Right Now concert series which features music by living composers.

Orquesta A‌típica‌: Around the World

  • This program features music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Egypt, Turkey, and Italy as played on violin and various percussion instruments. Students will learn about different styles of music from around the world and their traditional percussion: the güiro, the cajón, claves, the darbuka, bongos, and frame drum.

  • violin and percussion instruments

  • 30-45 minutes (according to the needs of the school)

  • check out @orquesta.atipica on Instagram for sample videos

  • Orquesta‌ ‌A‌típica‌ is the unusual yet irresistible duo comprised of Richmond Symphony violinist Ellen Cockerham Riccio and her husband, Latin percussionist Giustino Riccio. Their style combines romantic melodies with danceable beats. They began playing together in 2021 for private backyard concerts.

A Violinist in your Classroom!

  • This is a good option for smaller groups and classroom visits. Students will learn about the violin and hear demonstrations of fiddle music, jazz, and classical styles. Can be tailored to specific age groups and needs.

  • Just violin! But it doubles as a fiddle. :)

  • 20-30 minutes

  • Check out @backyardviolinist on Instagram for video samples

  • Ellen Cockerham Riccio has served as the Principal Second Violinist of the Richmond Symphony since 2009. As part of the symphony’s Musical Ambassadors Program, she wrote four educational story-form string quartet programs, including Ady’s American Adventure, Ady’s Violin, Jonathan’s Tall Tale, and Stickeen, and has given hundreds of in-school performances in the greater Richmond region.

For Your Ears Only

For Your Ears Only is an interactive course designed to help adults become better music listeners. The courses are taught by Richmond Symphony violinists, Ellen Cockerham Riccio and Adrian Pintea.

Rather than learn specific details about certain pieces, participants in this course will develop listening skills that can be applied to all concert experiences. Each class focuses on a different aspect of music and involves listening to musical examples followed by lively discussion. The course is divided into two levels, and each level consists of four 60-75 minute classes. These classes may be scheduled on consecutive days, once a week, once a month, or whatever fits your needs.

These courses are suitable for both high school and college students, as well as adults of all ages. Send an email to ellen.cockerham@gmail.com for more information!

Pricing

Group Class Level 1 (4 classes):

  • in-person (taught by Ellen): $500

  • virtual (taught by Adrian): $400

Group Class Level 2 (4 classes):

  • in-person (taught by Ellen): $500

  • virtual (taught by Adrian): $400

One-on-one class, à la carte (taught by Ellen): $55

Level 1

Class 1: Color and Timbre

Class 2: Feeling and Emotion

Class 3: Conversation and Humor

Class 4: Motion, direction, and lack thereof

Level 2

Class 1: Imagery

Class 2: Character and Mood

Class 3: Story

Class 4: Tension and Release

Pajama Parties

The concept is simple: it’s a free concert, and everyone gets to wear their pajamas, including the performers. Rosette has played three Pajama Parties so far in 2023: two at Oakwood Arts and one at the East End Branch Library.

No Pajama Parties are currently scheduled, but they will be posted here when they are! Let us know if you’d like to bring a Pajama Party to your neighborhood.