Pacific University String Project

The Pacific University String Project is a partnership between college students’ learning how to teach and school-aged students learning how to play string instruments. Through this partnership, the preparation of string teachers is improved while the number of young string players is increased, both positively affecting the quality of available educational opportunities in the community.

The Pacific University String Project is the only Oregon member of the National String Project Consortium.

Spring 2025 String Project

Notice: Proof of vaccination and masks will be reinforced according to Pacific University’s guidelines. 

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT DEADLINE! January 24, 2025

TAKE NOTE! There will be no classes held on March 19 and 22 as our instructors will be at the ASTA Conference. No classes will be offered March 25 and 27 due to Spring Break. There will also be one more week of class after the concert!

CONCERT DATE! April 24, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Beginning Class

This class is designed for students in second grade or older with no prior experience with playing string instruments. The objective of this class is to establish healthy foundations in string playing through developmentally appropriate and children-friendly repertoire. Classes are offered in person at Pacific University's Department of Music on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 4:50 p.m. Feb. 3 - May 1 (11 weeks). No classes will be offered on March 19 and 22 as our instructors will be at the ASTA Conference. No classes will be offered March 25, 27th due to Spring Break.

Intermediate Class

This class is designed for students with one year of playing experience. The objective of this class is to teach students how to read music. Classes are offered in person at Pacific University's Department of Music on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 5:50PM Feb. 3 - May 1 (11 weeks). No classes will be offered on March 19 and 22 as our instructors will be at the ASTA Conference. No classes will be offered March 25, 27th due to Spring Break.

Sinfonietta

The class is designed for students with two or more years of experience playing string instruments. Adults with limited experience in playing string instruments who wish to get back in shape are welcome to join this class. The objective of this class is to teach students how to play in an orchestra through developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive repertoire. Classes are offered in person at Pacific University's Department of Music on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 5:50 p.m. Feb. 3 - May 1 (11 weeks). No classes will be offered on March 19 and 22 as our instructors will be at the ASTA Conference. No classes will be offered March 25, 27th due to Spring Break.

Private Lessons*

* These fees are only for students who are also participating in Beginning Guitar, Intermediate Guitar, and, Orchestra group classes. Students in Beginning and Intermediate classes should not take private lessons in order to establish healthy foundations in class. Private lessons without group participation must be arranged between the teachers and parents of the students.

We are offering packages of 10 lessons. Students can sign up for 30-, 45-, or 60-minute long lessons. The session runs from Feb. 20 for 10 weeks, with days and times arranged between the teacher and the parents/students.

Fees:

30-minute lessons: $150 for package of 10
45-minute lessons: $225 for package of 10
60-minute lessons: $300 for package of 10

Beginning Guitar Group Class

This class is designed for students of all ages who have never played the guitar. This class aims to establish healthy foundations in guitar playing through developmentally appropriate exercises and repertoire. Class is offered in person at Pacific University's Department of Music on Wednesdays for 1 hour, 4 pm - 5 pm. Feb. 3 - May 1 (11 weeks). No classes will be offered on March 19 and 22 as our instructors will be at the ASTA Conference. No classes will be offered March 25, 27th due to Spring Break.

Intermediate Guitar Group Class

This class is designed for students who have previously taken the Beginning Guitar Class and wish to continue learning. This class aims to continue establishing healthy foundations in guitar playing through developmentally appropriate exercises and repertoire. Class is offered in person at Pacific University's Department of Music on Wednesdays for 1 hour, 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm. Classes will run from Feb. 3 - May 1 (11 weeks). No classes will be offered on March 19 and 22 as our instructors will be at the ASTA Conference. No classes will be offered March 25, 27th due to Spring Break.

Our Mission Statement

The Pacific University String Project is dedicated to:

• Improving the quality of string teachers’ preparation through integrated learning.
• Providing quality and affordable string education to school-age students of all socio-economic and racial backgrounds.
• Enhancing the quality of life in the community.

For Our Students and Parents

Students in second through 12th grade learn how to play string instruments, including the violin, viola, cello, and double bass, from our teachers-in-preparation and our master teacher. Students receive instruction in small and large group classes, orchestras, and/or in semi-individual and individual lessons. Each meeting for two 50-minute classes each week for 10 weeks will enable students to progress from beginning to intermediate and advanced levels of playing. Each semester, students perform in two public performances.

We offer numerous ways for our students to grow as musicians such as:

• Group Classes
• Various Levels of Orchestra
• Private Lessons
• Chamber Ensembles

For Our Teachers

The teachers in String Project are college students who are interested in learning how to teach stringed instruments to younger students. Student-teachers in the String Project take pedagogy classes and meet regularly with master teachers, who supervises and advises their weekly classes. They are actively involved in recruitment and communication with parents, and they help plan public performances each semester.

Students are paid for their preparation and teaching time, and they develop experience and expertise in teaching music in learning environments that mimic public school string classes. The String Project at Pacific University is open to ALL students who are playing in the Pacific Philharmonic Orchestra regardless of major/minor.