The UIS String Academy offers group classes on violin, viola, and cello to beginning and intermediate students aged 6+. Weekly classes take place in the UIS Visual and Performing Arts Building on Saturdays during the academic year. 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 6-16.
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 29, 2023
Spring Accelerated Class Registration Deadline: February 01, 2024
Class Schedule 2023-2024
Saturdays, September 9 - December 02, 2023
Saturdays, January 20 - April 27, 2024
Performances
UIS String Academy students will participate in two performances.
- December 08, 2023: UIS Studio Theatre
- April 28, 2024: Sangamon Auditorium, UIS Performing Arts Center
Class Options
| September 9, 2023 - April 27, 2024 | |
| Level 1: Beginner 10:00-10:45a.m. | |
| January 20 - April 27, 2024 | |
| Accelerated Level I: Beginner 11a.m. |
Cost
Annual Tuition: $350
This includes 28 group classes and performances.
Spring Only Accelerated Beginner Tuition: $200
This includes 14 group classes and performance.
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.
| Level 3: Intermediate II | UIS Community Music School: Individual Instrumental Lessons Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra: Preparatory Orchestra |
| Level 4: Advanced Intermediate | UIS Community Music School: Individual Instrumental Lessons Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra: Concert Orchestra |
| Level 5: Advanced | 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.