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String Project

The String Project is a flagship program that provides affordable, carefully-structured group lessons in violin and cello for children in the fourth- to eighth-grade, taught by the dedicated and talented School of Music undergraduate and graduate teachers.

Our mission is to:

  • Create a partnership by providing accessible string education and mentorship for the community and teaching experience for School of Music students who may be pursuing a career in string education
  • Provide our participants with an opportunity for musical enjoyment and education through the study of stringed instruments
  • Encourage the personal development of our participants by providing them with an outlet for self-expression in a structured environment
  • Encourage student leadership in our participants' school music programs
  • Share our accomplishments within the community, acting as a supplement to the current string programs in the school systems, or as a substitute string program for children who do not have access to a program

The String Project at Sacramento State is administered by master teachers Judy Bossuat and Tim Stanley.

Registration Form

Parking Pass Form

Spring 2020 Schedule

  • Monday, February 3 - New student auditions/new parent meeting at 4:00pm - first class meeting for all levels, 4:40pm
  • ALL STUDENTS: No classes on March 30, April 1, April 6, and April 8 (We recognize that many schools are on Spring Break April 13 and 15, but the String Project will meet. We are also meeting on Presidents’ Week, February 17 and 19)
  • ALL STUDENTS: Monday, May 4 - Our dress rehearsal on stage (come in concert dress)
  • ALL STUDENTS: Wednesday, May 6 - everyone meets in Room 143
  • ALL STUDENTS: Monday, May 11 - 7pm Free Concert - students arrive by 6PM! A reception will follow the concert. Cello families please bring drinks. Violin families please bring snacks.

  Regular Class Meetings Individual lessons (Optional but highly recommended)
Instrument Violin or Cello Open
Days M, W M, W
Times 4:45 - 5:35 p.m. 5:45 - 6:35 p.m.
Location Capistrano Hall, Room 223 TBD
String Project students

About Our Program

  • Registration Form
  • Parking Pass Form (needed only if you will be attending classes with your child; not needed if you are only dropping off and picking up your child from Sac State)

Contact

Since 2001, the String Project has been training students and teachers in the joys of playing and teaching stringed instruments. The String Project is a quintessential model of service-learning, allowing both undergraduate and graduate students the chance to learn new skills, think critically, and test their roles as professionals while offering low-cost instruction in stringed instruments to area children of all social strata. Learn more about the String Project via the National String Project Consortium.

String Project students

Program Progression

String Project participants typically follow this progression:
  • Beginning Violins
  • Beginning Cellists
  • Intermediate Room

During their first year, students learn the basics of string playing in a heterogeneous or homogeneous class of between fifteen to forty students. During the school year, students can pre-register and be put on a waiting list for the beginner's class which starts in September of every year. Interested students should register from May-August. Students are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

2nd Year & Up
Students are grouped in a heterogeneous group to create an orchestral experience. Occassionally, some students are taken out of the large orchestra to work in a smaller chamber orchestra setting.

Program Notes

  • Parents are encouraged to attend classes whenever possible.
  • Parents of the third graders with special permission to register are required to attend classes.
  • Students need to provide their own instruments. Information about obtaining an instrument is given at registration. Please do not buy an instrument until we have sized your child. Purchased instruments must meet the approval of the Master Teachers.
  • During the summer and winter breaks, we encourage participants to contact one of the apprentice teachers to further their study on an individual basis.
View the Spring 2017 String Project Concert

Project Benefactors

The Sacramento State String Project is made possible through the generous support of The Sacramento State Associated Students (ASI), String Letter Publishing, the Robla School District, Twin Rivers School District and the National String Project Consortium, and various individual donors. The Teichert and Heller Foundations have given support in previous years.

String Project needs your support!
Email Director Andrew Luchansky at: aluchansky@csus.edu

Or mail contributions to:
Sacramento State School of Music
ATTN: String Project
6000 J Street • MS 6015
Sacramento, CA 95819

Please make your check payable to “Sacramento State String Project”. Any amount helps a child learn!