Missouri String Project (MSP) & Missouri Youth Orchestra (MYO)

The Missouri String Project has been a part of the Columbia community since 1973. The Project has a two-fold mission – to give young students the opportunity to study the violin, viola or cello, and to prepare University music students for their futures as public school and private teachers.
MU students serve as teachers, and receive instruction and guidance from MU viola professor and Director of the MSP, Leslie Perna. 3rd-5th grade students  receive instruction through group lessons and string orchestra rehearsals, and perform concerts each semester. These students benefit from inexpensive yet extensive instruction from excited and energetic teachers, while teachers get invaluable hands-on teaching experience in a supervised atmosphere before they begin their work in the public schools or their own private teaching studios. Dozens of teachers from MSP have found the experience invaluable as they pursue a career in music and teaching. Hundreds of young students have begun their musical lives with MSP, and many still play today.
The Missouri Youth Orchestra is an extension of the Missouri String Project, and is open to students who have either received two years of instruction through MSP or by audition to any 5th-9th grade string students. Directed by Renan Leme, MYO provides intermediate level orchestral and chamber music experience to violin, viola, cello and bass students from across Mid-Missouri.

Instruction

Fall '20 Session
1st years: There will be no first years course for the fall '20 session

2nd years: ONLINE private/semi-private lessons on Mondays or Wednesdays as well as an ONLINE group class on Fridays.

3rd years: ONLINE private/semi-private lessons on Mondays or Wednesdays as well as IN-PERSON rehearsal with MYO on Saturdays.

MYO: IN-PERSON rehearsal on Saturdays.
 

Supplies include:

1. Your own rented/purchased instrument.  Renting an instrument for use in the MSP is the responsibility of each individual student and parent.  For your convenience, a representative from Top Notch Violins Shop is working with the MSP.  They will be happy to service your rental/purchase needs at a very competitive rate. Their website is: topnotchviolins.com/st-louis-violin-rentals/  .  However, you may rent/buy your instrument and music from whomever you choose.   
2. Lesson book "Essential Elements Book 1,” also available through Top Notch Violin Shop.
3. Music Stand, available from Top Notch
4. Shoulder rest for violinists and violists, included in your rental.
5. Lesson notebook and pencil, for teacher assignments and note-taking

Tuition & Payment

Fall '20 Session

2nd years: The fall '20 session is $200.
3rd years: The fall '20 session is $200.
MYO: The fall '20 session is $150

*We keep our costs very low, and are able to offer an outstanding fee.  The Missouri String Project is self-supporting, and this fee pays our hard-working teachers. The MSP enrollment form and your payment will reserve a place for your child in the program – therefore fees are non-refundable. 

Payment

A link to pay online will be emailed to you after you fill out an application. Tuition is due no later than Friday, September 18.

Schedule

Fall '20 Schedule

Second years (all sessions are online):
Monday Online Lessons (1/2 hour private/semi-private lesson between 4:00-6:00) - Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30
Wednesday Online Lessons (1/2 hour private/semi-private lesson between 4:00-6:00) - Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, Dec. 2
Friday Online Group Classes: (5:00-6:00)  - Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, Dec. 4

Third years: (lessons are online, saturday rehearsal with MYO is in-person)
Monday Online Lessons: (1/2 hour private/semi-private lesson between 4:00-6:00) Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30
Wednesday Online Lessons: (1/2 hour private/semi-private lesson between 4:00-6:00) Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, Dec. 2
Saturday Live Group Classes with MYO:
Time: 10:30 am-12:00pm
Location: Sinquefield Music Center Room 130
Dates: Sept. 19, 24, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, Dec. 5
Parking: Parking is free on Saturdays in the Hitt St. Garage

MYO:
Saturday Live Group Classes:
Time: 10:30 am-12:00pm
Location: Sinquefield Music Center Room 130
Dates: Sept. 19, 24, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, Dec. 5
Parking: Parking is free on Saturdays in the Hitt St. Garage
 

Registration

Please only fill out ONE application per student. Please do not submit multiple applications for the same student. An invoice will be emailed to you within one week after filling out the application.

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

Policies

*We keep our costs very low, and are able to offer an outstanding fee.  The Missouri String Project is self-supporting, and this fee pays our hard-working teachers. The MSP enrollment form and your payment will reserve a place for your child in the program – therefore fees are non-refundable.

In the event of inclement weather, the Missouri String Project/Missouri Youth Orchestra follows the Columbia Public Schools. For example, on dates where Columbia Public Schools are closed because of inclement weather the MSP/MYO will not hold rehearsals. All parents will be notified by email of any scheduling changes due to inclement weather. MSP/MYO will still meet on CPS teacher work days.

 

Contact: 

Missouri String Project
225 Fine Arts Building
ph: 573-884-4939
fax: 573-884-7444
umcasmostring@missouri.edu

PDF Documents: 
PDF icon MSP Map
PDF icon Fall 20 Second Years MSP Info
PDF icon Fall 20 Third Year MSP/MYO Student Info