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String Project

Illinois State University String Project

The award-winning Illinois State University String Project is an after-school music program that offers low-cost instruction on stringed instruments to children in the community. The program supports existing public school string programs and provides a string education to children who are homeschooled or enrolled in schools where no string program is available. String Project also provides valuable teacher training experience for ISU's string majors who serve as teaching assistants.

Students in String Project meet for weekly group classes under the guidance of ISU faculty, graduate, and undergraduate music majors. Students perform two large concerts each year at ISU's Center for the Performing Arts. Other performance opportunities include solo recitals for students enrolled in private lessons, the Honors Recital, and appearances at community events such as the Worldwide Day of Play and Make Music Normal.

The ISU String Project began in 2001 with the support of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and a major grant from the American String Teachers Association. The ISU String Project was named the 2013 National String Project of the Year and is a member of the National String Project Consortium.

Registration

Spring 2024 Important Dates

(All dates are subject to change.)

  • Friday, January 19: Audition Day for new students and internal class changes
  • Monday, January 22: First day of classes (all classes)
  • Saturday, January 27: Honors Recital, Kemp Recital Hall, noon
  • Sunday, March 10-Saturday, March 16: No classes, Illinois State University Spring Break
  • Friday, May 3: Last day of String Project classes
  • Saturday, May 4: String Project Concert, Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall, 11 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 8: Solo Recitals (for students enrolled in String Project private lessons), Cook Hall, 6:30 p.m.
  • Register Now Audition Sign Up

    Support the String Project

    Thank you for considering a financial contribution to the Illinois State University String Project. Donations help our program in a variety of ways, including providing participant scholarships and loaner instruments, teacher training opportunities, and scholarships that help offset the cost of tuition for ISU students. Your gift will make a difference.

    Donate online to make a contribution to our String Project through the Illinois State University Foundation. All contributions are tax-deductible. You will receive a letter from the ISU Foundation acknowledging your gift. If you would like your donation to help a specific need or project, please indicate this is the "gift notes" field.

    Give Now

    Join Our Supporters

    We would like to recognize these granting agencies, businesses, and donors who have recently contributed to the Illinois State String Project. Thank you!

    • Illinois Prairie Community Foundation- Mizra Arts Grant
    • The Prairielands Foundation
    • The Town of Normal Harmon Arts Grant

    Additionally, we would like to recognize these businesses, organizations, and donors who have supported our program:

    • The Music Shoppe
    • Western Avenue Community Center
    • The National String Project Consortium
    • State Farm Companies Foundation
    • The Yamaha Corporation
    • Anonymous and Individual Donors

    Get in Touch

    For more information email stringproject@IllinoisState.edu

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