Ursus String Camp
Founded in June of 2022, the Ursus String Camp at UTK offers a weeklong intensive instrumental and musical experience for advanced violinists and cellists, aged 12-18, on the beautiful University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus each June.
With a small enrollment cap, students will be assured significant access to our world-class string faculty. During the day students will have scale and technique class, single instrument ensemble rehearsals, mini lessons during a 2-hour practice time block each morning, afternoon sight singing classes, and master class/seminars each afternoon. Regular faculty and student recitals throughout the week cap each day.
Held on the beautiful Natalie Haslam Music Center in the University of Tennessee Campus in Knoxville, this will be a week full of joyful exertion, growth, and musical advancement.
Students can enroll at the Ursus String Camp as day or residential students, with housing available in the UT dorms.

Our Faculty
- Dr. Matt Lammers, Violin Faculty
- Ross Monroe Winter, Violin Faculty
- Wesley Baldwin, Director
- Damian Kremer, Cello Faculty
- Charae Kruger, Cello Faculty
Schedule
The typical daily schedule for the week will be:
Time | Event |
9:00 a.m. | Scales class |
10:00 – Noon | Practice time with faculty dropping in on each student for practice help |
Noon | Stretching break |
12:15 p.m. | Lunch |
1:00 p.m. | Cello Ensemble and Violin Ensemble rehearsals |
2:30 p.m. | Sight Singing/Ear Training |
3:30 p.m. | Daily Master Class/Seminar sessions |
5:00 p.m. | Dinner break |
7:00 p.m. | Concert (faculty recital, student solo recital, or ensemble recitals) |
On June 19 we have registration/sign-in at 9:30 a.m. and begin at 10 a.m.
On June 22 we will modify the schedule to allow everyone to go on a hike at the nearby Ijams Nature Center.
On June 25 we will have scales class at 9:30 a.m., then an open performance class with family and friends of all students invited to attend, followed by a 12:30 p.m. farewell pizza party
Schedule subject to change
Tution / Costs
Application fee: $55
Tuition: $775
Room and Board (optional): $518.94 (includes housing from 6/19-6/25, 3 meals a day starting with lunch on 6/19 to lunch on 6/25).
Meal plan only (for day students): $284.05 (covering the same meals).
For students arriving on Sunday, June 18 who are staying in the dorm, add $54.63 for the extra night of housing and breakfast on 6/19.
Note: A limited number of partial scholarships are available for those who demonstrate need. Please email wbaldwin@utk.edu to request scholarship help.
Note, a faculty member’s recommendation for admission may substitute for an audition video submission.
Deadlines
We will accept applications on a rolling basis until all slots are filled.