The IUP String Project, a community outreach program, provides a string music education program for children ages 5-18 in Indiana and the surrounding area as well as a teacher-training program for IUP music students. The IUP String Project is one of thirty-two similar programs joined under the auspices of the National String Project Consortium, dedicated to promoting string music education in the United States. As a member of the NSPC, the IUP String Project joins in addressing the two main issues facing string education today: 1) the low numbers of public schools that offer string music education programs to children and 2) the critical shortage of string teachers in the U.S. The program is directed by IUP music faculty member Dr. Linda Jennings.
String Program for Young Musicians
The IUP String Project curriculum consists of weekly private lessons and group lessons scheduled at different times throughout the year. Lessons are thirty minutes to one hour in length, depending upon the age and advancement of each student. Optional group classes are designed to reinforce concepts and techniques learned in private lessons as well as develop other musical skills, such as ensemble playing, leadership skills, etc. At the end of each semester students also have the opportunity to perform solo and ensemble pieces on recitals. Lessons, group classes, and recitals take place on the IUP campus and are taught by IUP music students. The IUP String Project is designed to support the string programs in the public schools. Therefore, all students enrolled in the IUP String Project must also be enrolled in their school orchestra program, if one is available.
Teacher-Training Program for IUP Music Students
The IUP String Project offers IUP music students the opportunity to develop, explore, and hone their teaching skills for beginning to advanced students levels. The program provides hands-on practical experience teaching one-on-one lessons, as well as, teaching groups in a classroom setting and conducting a string orchestra. In addition, teachers gain invaluable experience participating in recruiting programs in public and private schools, gaining teaching ideas and guidance at regular pedagogy meetings and receiving feedback on their teaching. Teachers may choose to participate through receiving credit through volunteer hours, credit for an internship course, or through a semester stipend.
For more information and an application form, click on the link to the Brochure for Parents or contact Dr. Linda Jennings at ljenning@iup.edu or the address below.
IUP String Project,
Dr. Linda Jennings, Director
Cogswell Hall, Room 213
Indiana, PA 15705
(724)357-2649
