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 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. String Project also provides valuable teacher training experience for ISU's string majors who serve as teaching assistants.
String Project offers four levels from beginner through advanced intermediate level. Participants meet for weekly classes under the guidance of Illinois State University faculty and music majors. As students progress through the program, they build technical, musical, and collaborative skills in a fun and friendly environment. 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 2025 Important Dates
(All dates are subject to change.)
- Wednesday, January 22: Audition Day for Sinfonia and new students with prior experience
- Monday, January 27: First day of classes (all classes)
- Sunday, February 9, 1 p.m., Honors Recital, Kemp Recital Hall
- Monday, February 17: No classes
- Monday March 10-Friday March 14: No classes, Illinois State University Spring Break
- Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.: Sinfonia Side by Side with ISU Philharmonia Orchestra, Kemp Recital Hall
- Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m.: Spring Concert (all students)
- Wednesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m.: Solo Recitals (for students enrolled in private lessons)
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 NowJoin 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
Additionally, we would like to recognize these businesses, organizations, and donors who have supported our program:
- The Music Shoppe
- The National String Project Consortium
- Anonymous and Individual Donors