Strings in the Schools

Get ready for fun!

Strings in the Schools is a fantastic way to introduce your child to the joy of playing a musical instrument.

Available to students from third to sixth grade, Strings in the Schools offers before- or after-school group lessons to introduce the foundation of playing a string instrument. Designed with beginners in mind, Strings in the Schools teaches students how to count rhythm, read music, properly hold a string instrument and bow, and develop basic fingering technique.

A unique opportunity for the love of music

Strings in the Schools serves more than 120 students each year. These children come from SLO County and beyond – this is the only orchestra program that teaches violin, viola, and cello to elementary school students in the area.

Many SIS school sites are Title I, where a high percentage of low-income families are served. By keeping tuition low and offering need-based scholarships, the program helps fill the arts education gap while remaining accessible to everyone.

After one year, SIS students are eligible to continue their music education experience by joining Super Bows.

PAY TUITION

Strings in the Schools offers strings lessons to children throughout the Central Coast. You can help support our music education programs and more by making a donation to the San Luis Obispo Symphony today.

GIVE NOW

Register Your Student

Strings in the Schools will be at the following schools:

San Luis Coastal Unified School District

CL Smith, Mondays 3:00-4:00 PM
Hawthorne, Mondays 8:10-9:10 AM
Bishop’s Peak, Fridays 2:50-3:50 PM (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
Pacheco Elementary, Mondays 8:20-9:20 AM (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
Teach Elementary, Mondays 8:20-9:20 AM (REGISTRATION CLOSED)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does SIS Cost?

Tuition for the half-year cycle is $190 for lessons from January through May. Please note that tuition is non-refundable.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are available and are awarded based on financial need, the number of applicants, and funds available. Applications must be submitted by Monday, February 3, 2020 with a $50 deposit.

Download Scholarship Application

I go to a different school. Can I still sign up?

Yes! Your child may sign up at any school regardless of where they are enrolled. Note: we cannot provide transportation to and from lessons.

Can We Rent an Instrument?

Yes! SLO Symphony has instruments available (limited supply) to rent. There is only one payment for the academic school year. Instrument will need to be returned at the last class of the year.

Violin – $35
Viola – $35
Cello – $45

Instruments can be rented by making an appointment to visit the Symphony office at (805) 543-3533.

Due to limited availability, we encourage the rental or purchase of instruments through these online music stores: www.sharmusic.com, www.musicmotive.com, www.ccflutes.com

Additional questions?

Please contact our office at (805) 543-3533 and ask for the Music Education department.

Student Information

Gender:

Grade:

Please select a class site:

Parent/Guardian Information

The following two questions are optional. Please note, any demographic information given here is used only for grants and other funding applications.

Emergency Information

Optional:

MEDICAL RELEASE: I (We) the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the above named minor, give my (our) permission for my (our) child to participate in the San Luis Obispo Symphony's Strings in the Schools (SIS) and assume all risks and hazards incidental thereto, including those arising in the course of transportation to and from SIS functions. I (We) hereby give consent and authorize proper authorities of the SIS to administer first aid, authorize necessary emergency treatment at a nearby emergency medical facility, and/or authorize a medical doctor to examine or treat the child for illness or injury or both while he/she is in attendance with SIS or on related activities. By selecting this box you are agreeing to the terms above.

Media Release

The San Luis Obispo Symphony may take photographs, videos, or recordings of Strings in the Schools lessons, rehearsals and performances, to be used on our website and/or social media accounts, as well as printed materials such as brochures and funding requests. While we will not tag or identify any student, your child's image may be used in these promotional materials in this and future years. No photographs, videos or recordings will be sold or used for commercial purposes.
I give my permission for the use of any Strings in the Schools related photographs, videos, or audio recordings of my child for promotional and social media purposes. By selecting this box you are agreeing to the terms above.

After submitting this form, you will be redirected to a payment page. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required to reserve your child's spot in this program. If you have any questions regarding this payment, please call the San Luis Obispo Symphony office at 805-543-3533 and ask for the Music Education department.

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