The String Project offers large group beginning classes, small group second year classes, three orchestras and private lessons. Beginning classes consists of 20 to 25 students with a minimum of three teachers in each class. Undergraduate string education majors teach all private lessons.
All classes take place in the beautiful new String Project Building adjacent to the School of Music Building at 851 Park Street and parking is convenient in the Discovery Parking Garage (parking passes available).
An important aspect of the program is an affordable fee to make the program available to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn a string instrument. A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need.
USC’s String Project is a model of community service and teacher education for more than 40 other university programs across the country.
The program creates partnerships that provide teaching experience for Carolina students while providing accessible string education and supporting school music programs in the community.
Undergraduates learn new skills and test their roles as professionals in an environment that rewards competence. Many orchestra teachers throughout the state received their education program at the USC String Project.
Please note: Students in the String Project must play in their school orchestra if one exists when they reach the appropriate age for membership. All String Project students (2nd year and above) are expected to be in one of the associated orchestras: Silver Strings, Concertino or Intermezzo. Students in the Sinfonia and pre-college levels should participate in one of the S.C. Philharmonic youth orchestras. Students must be present at all scheduled lessons and orchestra rehearsals.
Beginning class orientation
Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 851 Park Street (first floor of the Discovery Parking Garage).
Contact the USC String Project at 803-777-9568 or uscsp@mozart.sc.edu.
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Lessons for adults
Adult Silver Strings 1 (beginners): Wednesday at 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Adult Continuing Class: Wednesday 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Beginning in the 3rd year of study, adults may select private lessons and rehearse with the Concertino, Capriccio or Intermezzo orchestras. Tuition: $100 per semester for beginning and continuing adult classes (one class per week for 12 weeks).
Adults who progress past these classes can join the more advanced orchestras and take private lessons. Tuition: $80 for orchestra + $125 for 10 half-hour lessons (you must be enrolled in an orchestra to get this rate).
Lessons for children
Lessons for children take place twice a week, and the 12-week semester follows the university’s academic calendar. Students must provide their own instruments or rent them from a local music store. Our staff will measure each student and recommend the appropriate instrument size.
Children and interested adults register at a beginning class orientation on September 3, 2013.
1st year (Silver Strings 1)
The beginning students in the String Project are 3rd and 4th graders and meet twice
a week in a large group class. During their first year, students learn the basics
of string playing in a class of 25 students taught by two lead teachers and two assistants.
Beginning class students do not need to be able to read music; we will teach them
throughout the year. Children and interested adults register at a beginning class
orientation in late August.
Tuition: $80 per semester + book
Tuesday and Thursday - 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday - 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday and Friday - 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Friday - 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
2nd year (Silver Strings 2)
Students are organized in small diverse groups, meet once a week and participate
in the Silver Strings Orchestra.
Tuition: $80 per semester + book
Tuesday - 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday -5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Friday - 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday - orchestra rehearsal - 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
3rd year through high school
Students begin private instruction and are divided into curriculum levels. Private
lessons are arranged to fit your schedule.
- Concertino (3rd year): One private half-hour lesson per week and rehearsal with their orchestra from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Tuition: $100 per semester
- Capriccio (4th and 5th year): One private half-hour lesson per week and rehearsal with their orchestra from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Tuition: $100 per semester
- Intermezzo (by audition): One private half-hour lesson per week and rehearsal with their orchestra at 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Tuition: $160 per semester
- Sinfonia: Students have one private half-hour lesson per week and are encouraged to enroll in a South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Tuition: $100 per semester
- Orchestra only: students participate in one of four orchestras, based on their ability level. $80
Performances
Students in the String Project Orchestras have several performing opportunities:
- Silver Strings 1 students give an “Informance” in December, performing for their parents and demonstrating the skills they have acquired to that point.
- Students in the Silver Strings, Concertino and Intermezzo Orchestras perform at a community church or auditorium.
- Students in the Silver Strings 2 curriculum and older perform in master classes designed to give students a performance opportunity and immediate feedback.
- In April to early May, students perform in studio recitals or in a solo recital.
- Students in Silver Strings 1 and 2, Concertino and Intermezzo orchestras perform in a year-end concert at the Koger Center for the Arts.
Report cards are issued twice a year to students in all levels.
Community Music School Policies
Support us
Your philanthropy makes the USC String Project possible. Donor support enables USC to provide undergraduate music students a modest stipend for their work to encourage participation. Learn how you can help.