String Project FAQs
What is The String Project?
The String Project is a national educational initiative founded by the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) to help communities start string programs in areas where none or little exist.
String Projects are usually administered through some type of larger organization and funding comes from a variety of donations and grants. Student fees also cover a portion of the expenses, but these fees are kept low.
What ages may sign up for the classes?
The String Project is open to students in grades 3-12 and adults, from new beginner to advanced musician.
All ages can take 1-2 classes per week focusing on their instrument and playing in a larger ensemble (string orchestra).
When and where do the classes meet?
The classes meet on select Monday afternoons each school year semester in the Bryan Fine Arts Building, at 1150 Dixie Avenue, on the campus of Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.
The classes times vary depending on the level of the student.
Students have the opportunity to learn in both a small group lesson each week and a large group.
Classes will meet Mondays 4:00-8:30. Our younger beginner orchestra students will be meeting from 4:00-5:30, our advanced orchestra will be meeting from 5:30 - 7:30, and our adult beginners meet from 6:30-8:30.
How many students are in each small group?
Every attempt will be made to keep the small groups small. This is the class where students will learn the majority of the technique needed to play his/her individual instrument. Small group classes will mimic private lesson instruction, but in a small group format to keep costs low.
Who are the teachers and what are their qualifications?
The master teacher of the project is Mia Hagarty. Learn more about her here.
The small group classes are led by Tennessee Tech music department string majors under the supervision of the master teacher. These teachers are in the process of completing their degrees at Tech and are enthusiastic about learning how to teach and the development of their teaching. The master teacher provides guidelines and feedback on their teaching and occasionally teaches with them in their small group setting.
What is the cost of the program?
Please visit our Fees and Scholarships page for our fees!
Are scholarships available?
As fees for the program are already greatly subsidized by the School of Music, scholarships are on a case by case basis and are only issued to students and families who can demonstrate extreme need. Most of our scholarships are partial.
Questions about String Project scholarships should be directed to Mia Hagarty, mhagarty@tntech.edu, director of the String Project.
How do I get an instrument?
We have a list of trusted and reliable local and nearby shops both online and in TN that we recommend. Please email stringprojectttu@gmail.com for more information.
The String Project may have an instrument a student can borrow, if there is extreme need, but our inventory is very limited.
We recommend not buying a used instrument off of Amazon or Ebay. Often these instruments are of poor quality and the improper size.
How do I sign my child up for the project?
Please visit the 3rd through 12th Grade Student or the Adult Beginner Student registration pages! Information will be sent to the email address provided on the registration form.
Any other questions can be directed to Mia Hagarty, mhagarty@tntech.edu.
