String Academy

Dates
Fall, Spring & Summer Sessions

Ages
4–18

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.

Violin Beginner Program (June 16–July 26)

Get your budding violinist off to a great start with instruction designed for youngsters who have never played a string instrument. Price for this six-week program is $325 per student.

Date	Time	Details
June 16-20	4:30–5:30 p.m.	Daily group lessons with two String Academy faculty
June 23–July 26	30 minute sessions	Weekly private lessons scheduled independently with a String Academy faculty member
June 24–July 22	4:30–5:30 p.m.	Tuesday group lesson with a String Academy faculty member

Private Lessons (June 16–August 2)

In-person instruction (unless otherwise requested) taught by Jamie Hofman, Heidi Barker, Jim Przygocki, or Sherry Sinift.

Four Lessons	Six Lessons
30 minutes: $180	30 minutes: $270
45 minutes: $240	45 minutes: $360
60 minutes: $300	60 minutes: $450

The academic year program includes individual lessons which vary in length, and weekly group lessons ranging 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 Semester Dates

Instruction: August 25–January 17
No instruction: November 24–29 and December 20–January 4

Spring Semester Dates

Instruction: January 19–May 23
No instruction: March 30–April 5

Program	Cost (per semester)*
Beginner Program	$845
30 minutes (Lessons + Group)	$945
45 minutes (Lessons + Group)	$1,265
60 minutes (Lessons + Group)	$1,525

*Financial aid is available for a reduced registration fee (including discounts for multiple students, UWM employees/students, and/or UWM Children’s Center families).

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!

View Our Outlook Calendar Support the String Academy

Instructors

Heidi Barker

Lecturer, Pre-college Violin and Viola

hmbarker@uwm.edu
Music Building 139

Jamie Hofman

Teaching Faculty III, Pre-college Violin and Viola
Director, UWM String Academy

hofman@uwm.edu
Music Building 271

James Przygocki

Associate Adjunct Professor, Pre-college Violin and Viola

przygock@uwm.edu

Sherry Sinift

Adjunct Professor, Pre-college Violin and Viola

sinift@uwm.edu
307-760-4719
Music Building 231

Registration

Current & Previous String Academy Families: Register using the link below.
New & Interested Summer Violin Beginner Families: Register using the link below.
New & Interested Academic Year Families: Request info using the form below and we’ll contact you to discuss availability and placement.

Payment Schedule	Summer 2025	Fall 2025	Spring 2026
Full Payment	June 21	September 6	January 24
Installments	N/A	September 6, October 4, November 1	January 24, February 28, March 28

An additional $10 charge is added for late payments, including late installment payments.

Request Info Register Submit Payment

Performances

March 15, 10:00 am

UWM String Academy Spring Concert

Join us for a delightful morning when the UWM String Academy of Wisconsin will present its Spring Concert. This event showcases the talents of young violinists and violists, ages 4 to 18, who have been working diligently all semester. Admission is free, and no tickets are required, offering a great opportunity for the community to see the program in action and enjoy the musical accomplishments of these dedicated young performers.

A large group of UWM String Academy children perform while in costume for Halloween at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

November 15, 10:00 am

UWM String Academy Fall Concert

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.