SDSU String Academy
The SDSU String Academy is a pre-college music program for students ages 4–18 who study violin, viola, or cello. Students receive weekly private instruction with an experienced teacher along with group instruction designed to develop musicianship, technique, and ensemble skills.
Each String Academy student receives the following:
- Weekly Private Lesson — Individual instruction with experienced String Academy faculty on the student’s instrument.
- Weekly Group Class — Group instruction with experienced faculty focused on musicianship, ensemble skills, and musical development.
- Solo & Group Recitals — Up to three or four performance opportunities each semester, including both solo and group performances.
- Optional Helper Lesson — An additional weekly one-on-one lesson with an SDSU student teacher for extra support and practice.
Students of all experience levels are welcome. We work with families to determine the appropriate teacher, lesson format, and group class based on each student's experience, age, instrument, and availability.
Interested in Joining?
The first step is to complete our Inquiry Form. After you submit an inquiry, a member of the Community Music School team will contact you to discuss your student and guide you through the next steps, including scheduling a trial lesson.
Have questions at any point? You can contact the Community Music School at [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.
SDSU String Academy offers Group Classes and Private Lessons
- Submit an Inquiry
Complete the Inquiry Form to tell us about your student, their instrument and experience, and what you are looking for. - Speak with Our Team
A member of the Community Music School team will contact you to learn more about your student, answer your questions, and connect you with the appropriate person for your instrument. - Schedule a Trial Lesson
Your CMS team member will help arrange a trial lesson with an appropriate teacher. The trial lesson gives the student and teacher an opportunity to meet and helps us determine the best fit for the student's instruction. - Complete Registration
After the trial lesson and once your placement and schedule are confirmed, CMS will provide instructions for completing the registration process.
Questions? Contact us anytime at [email protected].
String Academy
2026 Fall Semester
September 8 - December 21, 2026
Registration Fee: A $35 annual registration fee is due with the first tuition payment for all new and returning students for the 2026–2027 school year.
Tuition Payments: We ask that families pay the full semester tuition at the time of registration whenever possible, as this helps us plan for the semester ahead. A 4-installment payment plan is also available for families who need it, with the first payment (including the $35 registration fee) due at registration. Installment payments are due on the 5th of each month.
A $25 late fee will be assessed for payments received after the due date.
| Weekly Lesson Length |
Total Semester Cost (Preferred) |
1st Installment (incl. $35 fee) |
Installments 2-4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Minute Lesson | $895 | $250 | $215 |
| 45-Minute Lesson | $1,225 | $333 | $297 |
| 60-Minute Lesson | $1,555 | $415 | $380 |
Registration and payment are separate steps.
After you submit your registration, CMS will confirm your enrollment, lesson information, and tuition amount. You can then submit payment by credit or debit card using the link below:
Tuition payments are due on the 5th of each month. An email invoice will be sent within one week of each payment deadline.
A $25 late fee will be assessed on late payments.
If you have questions about your tuition amount or payment schedule, please contact the Community Music School at [email protected].
Private Lessons
Weekly private lessons are taught by experienced SDSU Community Music School faculty on the student’s instrument. Our faculty bring advanced training and professional experience from leading music schools and conservatories across the country, with instruction tailored to each student’s level and musical development.
Group Class
Group class is the heart of the String Academy experience. Students learn and perform repertoire with their peers while developing musicianship skills such as music theory, ear training, rhythm, and music history. Group classes also give students regular opportunities to build confidence and experience the joy of making music together.
Parental Involvement
Parents play an important role in supporting their child’s progress. Parents are encouraged to attend private lessons and group classes, take notes, and help their child practice and reinforce what they are learning at home.
Helper Lessons
String Academy students may have the opportunity to participate in a weekly helper lesson with an SDSU student teacher. These additional one-on-one lessons provide students with extra support and practice opportunities while giving SDSU music students valuable teaching experience.
The SDSU Community Music School offers private string lessons for adults of all experience levels, from beginners to returning musicians and experienced players looking to continue developing their skills. Weekly lessons are taught by experienced faculty with advanced training and professional experience from leading music schools and conservatories across the country, with instruction tailored to each student’s musical interests and goals.
Adult Lessons
2026 Fall Semester
September 8 - December 21, 2026
Registration Fee: A $35 annual registration fee is due with the first tuition payment for all new and returning students for the 2026–2027 school year.
Tuition Payments: We ask that students pay the full semester tuition at the time of registration whenever possible, as this helps us plan for the semester ahead. A 4-installment payment plan is also available for students who need it, with the first payment (including the $35 registration fee) due at registration. Installment payments are due on the 5th of each month.
A $25 late fee will be assessed for payments received after the due date.
| Weekly Lesson Length |
Total Semester Cost (Preferred) |
1st Installment (incl. $35 fee) |
Installments 2-4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Minute Lesson | $695 | $200 | $165 |
| 45-Minute Lesson | $1,025 | $283 | $248 |
| 60-Minute Lesson | $1,355 | $365 | $330 |
The String Academy is part of the broader SDSU School of Music community, creating opportunities for String Academy students to learn alongside and from the next generation of music professionals. SDSU music students participate in String Academy classes and lessons as student assistants and teachers, gaining valuable teaching experience while providing additional support and mentorship to younger musicians.
SDSU Community Music School String Faculty
- Isaac Allen, Violin
- Angela Choong, Violin/Viola
- Nicole Chung, Cello
- Bram Goldstein, Violin
- Alex Greenbaum, Cello
- Travis Maril, Violin/Viola
- Dr. Laren Rausch, Violin
- Kiersten Smith, Violin
- Dr. Andrew Waid, Violin/Viola
SDSU Student Assistants
SDSU music students assist in String Academy group classes, providing additional guidance and support to students as they learn and make music together. Student assistants may also observe private lessons as part of their preparation for teaching.