Starter Strings: Program Overview

Starter Strings is where it all begins! It is the first step in your journey with the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra, which has a 40-year track record of providing quality string education in the Springfield community The ISYO is among the premier music organizations in the Central Illinois region, offering students a pathway from Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star all the way to All-State Orchestras and college music scholarships. We passionately believe in the research-backed benefits of string education for children, and we hope to have the privilege of bringing them to your children. Come set off on the journey with us!

Director:  Jacobsen Woollen
String Instructors:  Anne Brewster, Mercedes Cheung, Maria Emmons, Mu-Chi Hsieh, Mary Lueking, Elyse Morehead, Chenoa Murphy, Kamen Petkov

The Ladder of Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras Ensembles

• Starter Strings (Year 1, at school)
• Junior Strings (Year 2, at school)
• Preparatory Orchestra (Years 3-4, at The Grant Conservatory)
• Concert Orchestra (Years 5-6, at The Grant Conservatory)
• Symphony Orchestra (Years 7-9, at The Grant Conservatory) 

Research-backed Benefits of Strings Education

• Increased focus and attention
• Fine motor skills and not a screen-based activity
• Building of friendships and social skills through learning and performing with others
• Huge benefits in teamwork and citizenship from playing in ensembles
• Creativity, self-expression, pride, and self-esteem

Tuition

$225/year, 25-30 annual lessons (depending on start date and holidays), approximately $7-9/class

Financial Assistance

Full tuition assistance is available for all who need it. For more information, and to request assistance, click the registration button below and scroll down to the "Learn More About Tuition Assistance" button.

Share the Music Program (Instrumental Rental Assistance)

We are very excited about a new partnership with the Music Shoppe and the Share the Music Foundation, which will allow us to offer extremely low-cost instrument rentals to eligible families. Families who submit a Tuition Assistance request will be notified if they also qualify for a Share the Music rental.

Required Class Materials

• Instrument, case, bow, and resin - we recommend rental (these usually come together as a package)
• Sound Innovations for Strings - Book 1 (about $10 - make sure to get the book for your instrument!)
• Shoulder rest (violin and viola need one - $10-$15)
• Foldable music stand ($10-$30)
• Handkerchief or very soft cloth
• Folder for papers/music
• Pencil with eraser

Performances

Starter Strings classes will have two exciting performance opportunities this year! Our Starter Strings Showcase (January 31st) offers students the chance to show off their new skills to friends and family. Our Spring Showcase concert (April 19th) ushers them onto the big stage to perform in a concert with all the other ISYO ensembles, in addition to the UIS Orchestra!

Questions? Contact Jacobsen Woollen at [email protected].