Students at the UWM String Academy learn to use their minds, ears, and bodies to express themselves through music. Through this journey, each child learns valuable lessons in problem solving, concentration, consistency and discipline, developing self-confidence, perseverance through challenges, an appreciation for beauty and artistry, and the joy of making music as part of a larger community.
The UWM String Academy is supported by generous grants from the String Academy of Wisconsin Donor Advised Fund at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Programs
The UWM String Academy offers students ages 4 to 18 a comprehensive musical education with a focus on the violin and viola. Highly qualified artist faculty provide musical instruction based on the methods and philosophies of Mimi Zweig, Shinichi Suzuki, and Paul Rolland. The special training, experience, and expertise of the String Academy faculty in the musical training of young people results in students playing with technical ease and musical sensitivity.
Under the careful guidance from faculty and parents, students engage in a challenging course of study that includes private and group instruction, daily home practice, frequent solo and ensemble performances, master classes, and music theory and ear training study. String Academy alumni who have taken the path of becoming musicians are now performing and teaching throughout the world. While some may choose music as a career, all String Academy students can develop a lifelong appreciation for the joy and beauty of music.
UW-Milwaukee | Summer Programs
Private Lessons (June 15–August 8, 2026)
In-person instruction (unless otherwise requested) taught by UWM String Academy instructors.
This stand-alone, one-week class is designed for young beginners to explore the violin in a supportive and low-pressure environment. Daily classes allow students and families to see what beginning violin study is like before continuing to the fall beginner program.
Students who continue from discovery week into fall’s beginner program receive a $50 tuition discount for the fall.
Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Ages: 4–9
Cost: $100
This weeklong program serves as a true “jump start”—a focused, daily routine that gets students comfortable with the instrument and ready to continue as the school year begins. During the week, students will:
Learn basic violin posture and setup
Explore rhythm, listening, and coordination through games and movement
Develop early musicianship skills through singing and group activities
Play the violin each day (instruments provided for the week)
UW-Milwaukee | Fall & Spring Programs
The academic year program includes individual lessons which vary in length, and weekly group lessons from 1 to 3 hours (scheduled between 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday). For advanced students, a music theory class is offered. Group concerts, solo recitals, and other performance opportunities take place throughout the year.
Fall 2026 Dates
Instruction: August 24–January 17
No instruction: November 23–28 and December 21–January 4
Spring 2027 Dates
Instruction: January 18–May 22
No instruction: March 29–April 3
Program
Cost (per semester)*
Beginner Program (30 minute lessons + 1 hour Group Session)
$860
30 minutes (Lessons + Group Session)
$955
45 minutes (Lessons + Group Session)
$1,280
60 minutes (Lessons + Group Session)
$1,545
*Financial aid is available for a reduced registration fee (including discounts for multiple students, UWM employees/students, and/or UWM Children’s Center families).
Urban Students in Arts Outreach | Fall & Spring Programs
The Urban Students in Arts Outreach Program (USAO), which provides violin instruction, was developed to help meet the needs of musically talented low-income and minority students who are deserving of professional instruction. The program creates a positive educational experience for disadvantaged students, and helps develop discipline, self-confidence, self-esteem, aesthetic awareness and cultural appreciation in students whose lives can be altered with serious music study.
The USAO trains students each year at Escuela Vieau K-8 elementary school in Walker’s Point and Milwaukee High School of the Arts. Students are taught by UWM String Academy staff as well as by Master of Music in String Pedagogy students from UW-Milwaukee. USAO families pay a nominal fee for weekly private lessons and participate in all group and performance activities of the String Academy.
If you are interested in bringing instruction to your school, please contact us!
Join us for a concert featuring the young violinists and violists of the UWM String Academy. From our newest beginners to our most advanced students, performers range in age from 4 to 18 and come from neighborhoods across greater Milwaukee. Their energy, focus, and creativity remind us how deeply children can inspire. Whether you're a friend, family member, or first-time guest, all are welcome.
The UWM String Academy presents a faculty chamber music recital featuring works by Brahms and Mozart, along with performances by students from the String Academy Violin Virtuosi and the Milwaukee Cello Institute I Cellisti.
