Missouri String Project
The Missouri String Project has been a part of the Columbia community since 1973. The Project has a two-fold mission: 1) To prepare emerging string instrument music educators for success through hands-on teaching experiences, deliberate mentorship, and collaborative professional development while directly addressing the national shortage of highly qualified string teachers. 2) To provide equitable access to inclusive and high-quality string education opportunities for students ages 8 and up in communities of varied backgrounds and needs.
MU students serve as teachers and receive instruction and guidance from faculty. 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 fall 2026 application is coming soon.
Cost for all students: $250 per semester
After applying you will receive an email saying whether or not you have been approved. A payment email will be sent at that time. It may take up to two weeks to receive an update on your application after it is submitted.
Students receive instruction twice per week.
● One small-group class (choose either Monday or Wednesday in the application)
● One large-group class (Friday for all students)
Important: students do not attend both Monday and Wednesday—just one, plus Friday).
Class Times and Locations:
First-Year Classes:
- Monday/Wednesday small-group class (4:10–5:00 PM in Fine Arts Building*)
- Friday large-group class (5:10–6:00 PM in Sinquefield Music Center**)
Second-Year Classes:
- Monday/Wednesday small-group class (5:10-6:00 PM in Fine Arts Building)
- Friday large-group class (5:10–6:00 PM in Sinquefield Music Center)
Third-Year Classes:
- Information available soon. Thank you for your patience!
* Fine Arts Building (FAB), 505 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO 65201
** Sinquefield Music Center (SMC), 1101 University Ave, Columbia, MO 65211
Fall 2026 Calendar:
Instrument try-out nights:
- Wednesday, September 2 | 6-8 PM | FAB
- Saturday, September 5 | 12:30-3 PM | FAB
First-Year Orientation: Friday, September 11, 2026 | 5:10–6:00 PM | Sinquefield Music Center, Room 130
- Only for families of first-year students
First Week of Classes: September 14–18, 2026
Thanksgiving Break (no classes): November 23–27, 2026
Winter Concert: Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM | Missouri Theatre
Spring 2027 Calendar:
First Week of Classes: February 1–6, 2027
Spring Break (no classes): March 29–April 2, 2027
Spring Concert: Sunday, May 2, 2027 | 2:00 PM | Missouri Theatre
Fall '26 Application Coming Soon
Registration and payment deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026
Scholarships: A limited number of 50% scholarships are available. Scholarships are given on a first-come, first-served basis and can be applied for through the MSP application.
Top Notch Violins is the MSP rental partner.
The following link contains more information regarding their rental program including some sizing measurements for all our players: https://topnotchviolins.com/instrument-rentals/
Supplies needed:
- 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.
- Lesson book "Essential Elements Book 1,” also available through Top Notch Violin Shop.
- Music Stand, available from Top Notch
- Shoulder rest for violinists and violists, included in your rental.
- Lesson notebook and pencil, for teacher assignments and note-taking
*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 follows the Columbia Public Schools. For example, on dates where Columbia Public Schools are closed because of inclement weather the MSP will not hold rehearsals. All parents will be notified by email of any scheduling changes due to inclement weather. MSP will still meet on CPS teacher workdays.
Refund policy: In the event that MSP needs to transition to online classes/rehearsals, no refunds will be offered. The student will have the option to continue with online instruction or continue with MSP once in-person instruction resumes.
Email is the best way to reach us!
Missouri String Project Coordinator
Evan Wilde
mostring@missouri.edu
Community Programs Coordinator
Joanna Griffith
muasmusicoutreach@missouri.edu