The UIS String Academy offers group classes on violin, viola, and cello to beginning and intermediate students aged 5+. Weekly classes take place in the UIS Visual and Performing Arts Building on Saturdays during the academic year. The UIS String Academy is a 3-year program designed to offer students fundamental skills on a string instrument.
The UIS String Academy is part of a collaboration of the UIS Community Music School and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra designed to offer affordable and accessible string instruction for young community musicians.
Group classes are open to beginning and intermediate string musicians ages 5-16.
Contact music@uis.edu or 217 206-6240 with any questions about the application process.
Schedule
Classes take place on Saturdays during the academic year.
Fall Registration Deadline: September 20, 2025
Class Schedule Fall, 2025
Saturdays, September 6 - December 6, 2025
Performances
The UIS String Academy concert will take place on:
Saturday, December 6, Time and Location, TBA
Class Options
| Class Schedule 2024 | Time |
|---|---|
| Cello | 9:15-10am |
| Primary | 10:30am-11:15am |
| Intermediate | 11:15am-12pm |
Cost
Annual Tuition: $375
This includes 28 group classes and performances.
Required Materials
- An instrument*
- A Method Book (as assigned)
- A pencil
- For cellists, a rock-stop
- For violinists and violists, a shoulder-rest
- Rosin
Instruments*
Students are welcome to bring their own personal or rental instrument. Representatives from an instrumental rental facility will be present at the first two Saturday classes each semester to facilitate instrument rental.
Individual Instrumental Instruction
Students are strongly encouraged to enhance their group class learning by enrolling in individual instrumental lessons through the UIS Community Music School.
Graduation Certificate
Students that successfully complete Levels 1 and 2 Group Classes will receive a certificate of completion.
Continuing Your Strings Education After Graduation
Graduates of the UIS String Academy are strongly encouraged to continue their string education through Level 5 through the UIS Community Music School and the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra Ensembles.
Continued Strings Education Class Options
Students that complete the UIS String Academy are encouraged to continue their strings education through the UIS Community Music School and the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras.
| Class Level | Classes Available |
|---|---|
| Level 4: Primary II | UIS Community Music School: Individual Instrumental Lessons Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra: Preparatory Orchestra |
| Level 5: Intermediate II | UIS Community Music School: Individual Instrumental Lessons Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra: Concert Orchestra |
| Level 6: Advanced II | UIS Community Music School: Individual Instrumental Lessons Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra: Symphony Orchestra |
Tuition Policy
Tuition is nonrefundable. A partial refund may be considered only in extenuating circumstances.