String Project

About the University of Arizona String Project

The University of Arizona String Project offers weekly private lessons and ensemble experiences.

String Project is a teacher-training program. The teaching faculty is comprised of outstanding doctoral, masters, and undergraduate performance and music education students and 100 students from southern Arizona elementary, middle, and high schools.

History: The University of Arizona String Project was founded by Dr. Theodore Buchholz in 2015. The program steadily grew to more than 100 pre-college students with fourteen faculty members. He built an endowment for the program, enabling free private lessons to community students who might otherwise have no exposure to music education. Buchholz led the program through the COVID pandemic developing an online curriculum and then led the program back to in-person classes. After ten years at the helm, Dr. Buchholz passed the UASP’s leadership baton to Dr. Kelsey Nussbaum.

Location: University of Arizona, School of Music: 1017 N. Olive Rd., Tucson, AZ. Parking is available in the Park Avenue Street Garage. Most Saturdays the garage is free, except when there is a large event such as football or basketball games, or fairs on campus. From the Park Avenue Garage, walk south under the underpass. At the top of the incline the School of Music is on the right.

Schedule: The String Project meets on Saturdays afternoons. Private lesson times are determined by the parent and private teacher. Online lessons are available for families that prefer remote instruction.

2024-25 Calendar

Fall

Spring

Student Eligibility: The String Project is open to students ages five through fourteen. Younger or older students may be accepted if the families understand that they will be in a class with variously aged students. Students can learn violin, viola, or cello. Primo students are encouraged to start with violin. If your school offers an orchestra, we require students participate in their school orchestra.

Instruments: The String Project does not provide students with instruments. We expect all of our students to rent or purchase their own instruments. Students are expected to take care of their instruments and keep them in optimal performing condition. Stringed instruments are very sensitive to heat, cold, humidity, and atmospheric changes. The University does not endorse any music vendor in particular. Tucson has many music stores that rent or sell string instruments. Stores such as Chicago Music Store and Southwest Strings can help select the proper instrument size. Students may be asked to purchase a music book.

Student and Parent Expectations: Students must be on time for rehearsals and lessons; frequent lateness will lead to dismissal from the program. Discipline issues will not be tolerated. Required materials include instrument and bow, shoulder rest or rock stop, rosin, suggested books, notebook, pencil, and String Project music. Students must commit to practicing at home daily for at least 20 minutes per day. Older students will need to practice more per day. Parents are encouraged to help the student practice, and ensure that practice is not viewed as a chore but rather a joy. Other parent responsibilities include attending all String Project meetings, rehearsals, lessons, and events. If your school offers an orchestra, we require students also participate in their school orchestra.

Participants must treat fellow students, parents, faculty, and university personnel and facilities with respect. String Project is an inclusive learning environment. The University of Arizona is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination. In support of this commitment, the University prohibits discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, based on a protected classification, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information.

Performances: Each ensemble will perform a selection of pieces at the end of the semester concert in Crowder Hall. All levels will play one piece together each semester. Private lesson faculty will schedule an end of semester solo recital.

Concert Dress Code for Performers:
Black pants or black dress, white shirt, black socks, black shoes
(no shorts, flip flops, or t-shirts)

Ensemble Levels:

• Primo: Pre-Suzuki Book 1, no experience, usually ages 5-8.
• Intermezzo: Suzuki Book 1-2, 1-2 years of experience, usually ages 8-12.
• Concertante: Suzuki Book 2+, 2 years of experience, usually ages 10+.
• Avanzate: Suzuki Book 4+, at least 3 years of experience, usually ages 13+.

See the UA String Project Parent Handbook, Guide to Practicing, and more on the “Downloads” page.