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. Students are encouraged to complete the full three years but are welcome to join for a semester or a year at a time.
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.
String Academy Applications
Schedule
Classes take place on Saturdays during the academic year.
Rolling Registration through October 10 for students beginning in Fall Semester
Rolling Registration through March 01 for students beginning in Spring Semester
Rolling Registration for Intermediate Students
Class Schedule 2026-2027 Academic Year
Saturdays, September 12-April 18, 2027
Performances
The UIS String Academy concert will take place on:
Fall: TBA
Sunday, April 18, 2027, Sangamon Auditorium
Class Options
| Class Schedule | Time |
|---|---|
| Cello | 9:15-10am |
| Primary | 10:30am-11:15am |
| Intermediate | 11:15am-12pm |
Cost
Annual Tuition: $395
This includes 28 group classes and performances.
Semester Tuition: $280
This includes 14 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.