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 third to eighth grade. 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.
Classes
Build technical, musical, and collaborative skills in a fun and friendly environment.
Summer Camp
Enhance your skills and play in a string orchestra during the summer.
Workshops
Develop your musical skills in a joyful and supportive environment.
Prospective Teaching Assistants
Gain valuable teacher training experience as an ISU string major by serving as a teaching assistant.
Join the String Project
Fall 2026 Important Dates
All dates are subject to change.
- Friday, September 11: Audition Day for Sinfonia and new students with prior experience, Julian Hall rooms TBA
- Monday, September 14: First day of Vivace and Sinfonia classes
- Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m.: Information Night for families interested in joining our Dolce class (3rd and 4th grade beginners only), Cook Hall room 212
- Friday, September 18: First day of Allegro Class (2nd year class)
- Monday, September 21, First day of Dolce (beginning class)
- Monday, October 12: No classes
- Friday, November 20 at 7 p.m.: String Project 25th Anniversary Concert and Celebration, Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall
- Monday, November 23–Friday, November 27: No classes, Illinois State University Fall Break
- Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m.: Solo Recitals (for students enrolled in private lessons through String Project), Cook Hall room TBA
- Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m.: Fall Concert (all students), Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall
Support the 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.
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!
Get to Know Us
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, an organization committed to the development and growth of string education across the nation.
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Get in Touch
For more information email stringproject@IllinoisState.edu