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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 2025 Important Dates

All dates are subject to change.

  • Monday, September 8: Audition Day for Sinfonia and new students with prior experience
  • Friday, September 12: First Day of Allegro
  • Monday, September 15: First Day of Vivace and Sinfonia
  • Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 p.m.: Information Night for families of 3rd and 4th grade beginning students, Cook Hall room 308
  • Monday, September 22: First Day of Dolce
  • Monday, October 13: No classes
  • Friday, October 31: No classes
  • Monday, November 24-Friday, November 28: No classes, Illinois State University Fall Break
  • Saturday, December 6, 3 p.m.: Sinfonia performance on Music for the Holidays Concert, Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall
  • Wednesday, December 10: Last day of fall classes
  • Wednesday, December 10: Solo Recitals (for students enrolled in private lessons), Cook Hall, room TBA
  • Friday, December 12, 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.

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 Town of Normal Harmon Arts Grant
  • The Prairielands Foundation
  • The Music Shoppe
  • The National String Project Consortium
  • Anonymous and Individual Donors

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.

Two students in the string orchestra smile toward the camera.
A string orchestra.
A string orchestra.
Students in a string orchestra smile for the camera.
A string orchestra.
A string orchestra.
Two students in a string orchestra smile for the camera.

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Get in Touch

For more information email stringproject@IllinoisState.edu