Inspiring the Next Generation, One String at a Time.
Founded in 2020, the University of Tennessee String Project is a program designed to teach beginning string students and develop future string teachers. Students, ages 8-10, are recruited from Knox County public schools and attend two fifty-minute string classes every week. Students learn fundamental skills on the violin, viola or cello while interacting with peers from across Knox County. Through this program, students have opportunities to develop self-discipline as they practice their instrument, perform in professional venues, and make friends who have similar interests.
As a member of the National String Project Consortium, our String Project strives to:
- Prepare emerging string instrument music educators for success through hands-on teaching experiences, deliberate mentorship, and collaborative professional development while directly addressing the national shortage of highly-qualified string teachers.
- Provide equitable access to inclusive and high-quality string education opportunities for students in communities of varied backgrounds.
String Project classes are taught by music students at the University of Tennessee under the close supervision of a master teacher. Master teachers and faculty meet weekly to plan classes, prepare and select material, discuss pedagogy, coordinate classes and performances, and to critique and improve their teaching.
String Project is based on a 3 year cycle, encouraging growth as a young musician. All classes and lessons are held at the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center on the University of Tennessee campus on Wednesdays and Fridays between 4:30-6:00 p.m. The table below outlines meeting times and tuition.
| String Project Year | Afternoon Meeting Times (W, F) | Semester Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Group class) | 4:30-5:15; 5:30-6:15 | $110 |
| Year 2 (Group class) | 4:45-5:30 | $125 |
| Year 3 (Private lessons) | One 30-minute block, 4:00-5:30 | $200 |
It is a priority for the UTK String Project to keep student costs as low as possible. We provide need-based scholarships to ensure equal access for all students. There is an option to apply for a scholarship within the registration process.
Mission Statements
- To attract high-caliber string players into the teaching profession, helping to address the shortage of public-school string teachers.
- To provide training and experience for future string teachers, raising the level of beginning teachers and improving their success in the profession.
- To provide high-quality instruction to young students from beginning levels.
- To provide young students with an experience in the arts which will enhance their education and personal development.
- To develop and explore new, effective teaching methods, materials and models for string teachers using String Project classes as a laboratory.
- To support and enhance public school string programs already in existence.