About
Inspired by the New Horizons International Music Association, the Tucson New Horizons Strings began in Fall 2024. New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, including those with no musical experience at all, and for those who formerly played in school music programs. The string ensembles are open to adults and meet weekly during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. So whether you have always wanted to play an instrument, but never had the chance —-or you used to play and instrument, and haven’t played in a long time– we would love to have you join us. All you will need is a positive attitude!
The Tucson chapter was founded by University of Arizona music education faculty member, Dr. Matt Williams, who served as the director of the Advanced Band. Dr. Barbara McLain, a retired music education professor served as the director for the beginning and intermediate bands has stepped up to be the successor and director of all levels beginning Fall 2026.
Fall 2026 Session
We will have three levels of New Horizons Strings in Fall 2026. Please see ability descriptions below:
- Beginning Strings: No prior musical experience needed. Participants will learn the fundamental skills of string instrument playing and develop comfort in musical notation.
- Intermediate Strings: Able to read music notation at a novice level, confidence in basic instrument fundamentals, ability to play a 1-octave D major scale, comfortably play both Arco and pizzicato.
- Advanced Strings: Fluency in reading musical notation, ability to play scales in multiple common keys on the instruments across all 4 strings, familiar with a variety of simple bow strokes and rhythms. Shifting not required, but will be introduced in this level.
Tuition
- Beginning Strings: $80 per semester
- Intermediate or Advanced Strings: $100 per semester.
Participants need to provide their own instrument.
Registration available July 31st, 2026 at this link.
Summer 2026 Session
We have two levels for the summer session designed for those who were in Beginning Strings this year and the Intermediate / Advanced Strings, ability descriptions below.
- Beginning String: Able to read music notation at a novice level, confidence in basic instrument fundamentals, ability to play a 1-octave D major scale, comfortably play both Arco and pizzicato.
- Intermediate / Advanced Strings: Fluency in reading musical notation, ability to play scales in multiple common keys on the instruments across all 4 strings, familiar with a variety of simple bow strokes and rhythms. Shifting not required.
Schedule
First rehearsal Sunday June 7th, 1:00-2:30pm
- Beginning Strings: Room 162 with Liliana Peterson
- Intermediate / Advanced Strings: Room 170 with Justino Peréz and Ana Dominguez
Meets every Sunday until August 9th, concert at 2pm.
Tuition
Cost of participation is $80 for the summer session. Participants can pay with a check or online with credit card at uazm.us/sp.
Participants will need to provide their own instrument.