Directed by Dr. Lani Hamilton, the String Project offers a comprehensive, sequential program of instruction for both youth and adult learners.
All classes take place in the beautiful String Project Building (851 Park Street), adjacent to the School of Music Building. Discounted parking is available in the attached Discovery Parking Garage. Directions, parking information, and student drop-off details can be found here.
Students in first-year classes are typically ages 8–11. In the fall, students may attend an instrument “petting zoo” and choose between violin, viola, cello, and bass (bass available only to students who meet a minimum height requirement). Classes meet twice weekly and focus on healthy posture and beginning note-reading skills. Enrollment is fall only; new students are not accepted in the spring semester.
Important: Students in the String Project must participate in their school orchestra program if one is available at their school and when they reach the appropriate grade level for enrollment.
Tuition: $150 per semester
Tuition includes a method book and all required music.
Class Options:
Students in second-year classes have completed a first-year String Project class or at least one full year of string instruction in a school orchestra program or with a private teacher. Classes meet twice weekly and focus on developing ensemble skills while reinforcing healthy posture and note-reading. Students explore a variety of musical styles, including bluegrass and popular music, and are introduced to improvisation in an engaging, accessible way.
New students may enroll in both fall and spring semesters with appropriate prerequisite skills. If you are unsure whether your child is a good fit, please contact the USC String Project at uscsp@mozart.sc.edu.
Important: Students in the String Project must participate in their school orchestra program if one is available at their school and when they reach the appropriate grade level for enrollment.
Tuition: $150 per semester
Tuition includes a method book and all required music.
Class Options:
Students in Concertino have completed their first- and second-year String Project classes or have developed the skills to consistently sight-read Grade 1-1.5 rhythms and pitches through their school orchestra or private instruction. At this level, students begin weekly private lessons (30-min, one-on-one instruction), which are strongly encouraged to support continued progress and advancement within the orchestra program.
New students may enroll in the orchestra in both fall and spring semesters with appropriate prerequisite skills. Private lesson enrollment is available in the fall semester only; students joining in the spring must enroll as “orchestra only” students. If you are unsure whether this ensemble is a good fit for your student, please contact the USC String Project at uscsp@mozart.sc.edu.
Important: Students in the String Project must participate in their school orchestra program if one is available at their school and when they reach the appropriate grade level for enrollment.
Tuition:
Orchestra Options:
Both sections run in parallel and will perform together at the concert.
Private Lessons Options:
Students in Capriccio demonstrate the ability to consistently sight-read Grade 2–2.5 rhythms and pitches through instruction in the String Project, a school orchestra program, and/or private study. Students at this level demonstrate healthy posture, are developing vibrato and shifting skills, and exhibit strong rehearsal habits (e.g., bringing a pencil, listening attentively, and remaining engaged when other sections are playing). At this level, students continue weekly private lessons (30-min, one-on-one instruction), which are strongly encouraged to support continued progress and advancement within the orchestra program.
New students may enroll in the orchestra in both fall and spring semesters with appropriate prerequisite skills. Private lesson enrollment is available only in fall semester only; students joining in the spring must enroll as “orchestra only” students. If you are unsure whether this ensemble is a good fit for your student, please contact the USC String Project at uscsp@mozart.sc.edu.
Important: Students in the String Project must participate in their school orchestra program if one is available at their school and when they reach the appropriate grade level for enrollment.
Tuition:
Orchestra Schedule:
Private Lesson Options:
Students in Intermezzo have developed the skills to consistently sight-read Grade 3-4 rhythms and pitches through instruction at the String Project, in their school orchestra program, and/or with a private teacher. Students consistently demonstrate healthy posture and are shifting accurately and refining their vibrato. At this level, students continue weekly private lessons (30-min, one-on-one instruction), which are strongly encouraged to support continued progress and advancement within Intermezzo.
New students may enroll in both fall and spring semesters with appropriate prerequisite skills. An audition is required for students who are not already in Intermezzo. To audition, please email a video link to uscsp@mozart.sc.edu. Your video frame should include your entire instrument and arms. Include just one piece (no more than 3 minutes) that demonstrates your posture, shifting and vibrato.
Tuition:
Orchestra Options:
Thursdays, 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Private Lesson Options:
Adults in the first-year class are beginning instruction on violin, viola, cello, or bass. This class is designed for those with little to no prior experience and focuses on developing healthy posture, tone production, and foundational note-reading skills in a supportive, group setting.
Classes meet once weekly. Enrollment is fall semester only; new students are not admitted in the spring.
Tuition:
$150 per semester
Tuition includes a method book and all required music.
Class Time:
The Adult Orchestra is designed for adult string players with prior experience who are reading at approximately a Grade 1 level or higher. Repertoire typically ranges from Grade 1 to Grade 2.5, and parts are structured to allow participants to engage at an appropriate level while continuing to build ensemble skills and musical independence.
New students may enroll in both fall and spring semesters with appropriate prerequisite skills. If you are unsure whether this ensemble is a good fit, please contact the USC String Project at uscsp@mozart.sc.edu.
Adult Orchestra + Student Orchestra
Adult Orchestra participants may also elect to join a String Project student orchestra (Concertino or Capriccio ; Intermezzo by audition only) for additional ensemble experience. This option is particularly beneficial for players working at the Grade 1–2 level who would benefit from more leveled repertoire. Participation provides additional performance and rehearsal opportunities while maintaining involvement in the adult ensemble. Adults are seated towards the back of student orchestras.
Adult Orchestra + Lessons
Adults enrolled in the orchestra may elect to add weekly private lessons (30 minutes, one-on-one instruction) to support continued technical and musical development. All adult lessons are offered on Wednesdays at either 5:00–5:30 p.m. or 6:30–7:00 p.m. and are taught by undergraduate String Project faculty. Lesson times are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Private lessons are available in both fall and spring semesters; however, new private lesson students are accepted in the fall semester only. Adults joining in the spring may enroll as Adult Continuing Orchestra only or Adult Continuing Orchestra + Student Orchestra. Enrollment in private lessons requires concurrent enrollment in Adult Continuing Orchestra; private lessons may not be taken independently.
Tuition:
Class Time:
Community Music School Policies
Contact the USC String Project at 803-777-9568 or uscsp@mozart.sc.edu.
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“The gold standard” music program serves SC schools, trains next generation.
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Dr. Lani Hamilton is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of South Carolina, where she also serves as Director of the USC String Project. Prior to her appointment at USC, she was Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. A former symphony violinist and public-school orchestra teacher, Hamilton brings practical experience to her work with music educators, performers, and developing musicians.