String Academy

UWEC String Academy Program Details

Faculty and Masterclasses

Dr. Nathaniel Pierce, Cello and UWEC String Academy Director
Dr. Tulio Rondon, UWEC Professor of Cello
Dr. Christine Harada Li, UWEC Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola
Guest artists

Location

All Classes take place in the Haas Fine Arts Center at UW-Eau Claire (121 Water St. Eau Claire, WI)

Newsletter

A weekly newsletter will be sent out to students to remind them of important events and group class activities.

Calendar 

Group classes will take place weekly on Sundays. Individual lessons will take place weekly and will be scheduled between the instructor and students/parents. The String Academy calendar will conform to the University Calendar. If students seek lessons outside of the University Calendar they are encouraged to reach out to their instructor.

Registration and Fees

Non-refundable registration fee: $45

Payment Information

Students will receive the tuition payment link upon acceptance into the program. Payments will be made to the UWEC Department of Music & Theatre Arts. Payments are due at the beginning of the semester. Payments are only refundable up to the beginning of the term. Payment plans are available if parents are unable to pay the entire semester tuition at the beginning of the term.

Semester Tuition Packages

Tuition is inclusive of private lessons, groups classes, masterclasses and recitals.

Package A: $750

• 30 minute Weekly Private Lessons
• Weekly 1 hour Group Lessons
• Access to Faculty & Guest Artist Masterclasses
• Recital Performance Opportunities

Package B: $850

• 45 minute Weekly Private Lessons
• Weekly 1 hour Group Lessons
• Access to Faculty & Guest Artist Masterclasses
• Recital Performance Opportunities

Package C: $1,000

• 1 hour Weekly Private Lessons
• Weekly 1 hour Group Lessons
• Access to Faculty & Guest Artist Masterclasses
• Recital Performance Opportunities

Lesson Expectations

Parents are encouraged to sit in lessons and take notes, especially for young students taking 30 and 45 minute lessons. They are responsible for creating a positive practicing environment at home, and helping their children commit to an organized daily practice schedule determined by the teacher. Parental involvement may evolve as the student matures. Students must arrive on time and bring their music organized, pencils, metronome and tuner, cleaning cloth and rosin. Students are expected to practice every day with intention and focus and communicate questions to their teachers. They should come prepared and bring a positive, open mindset for learning. The Academy may decide to remove a student from the program if they show misbehavior or consistent lack of preparation.

Group classes

Weekly group classes serve as an opportunity for practice performances, technique class, music theory, ear and rhythm training, music history and general musicianship. Group classes may be combined with all teachers and instruments or may break into separate instruments and teachers. Learning from peers and gaining outside perspectives from other string academy faculty is a crucial part of every students’ growth.

Lesson Cancellation Policy

Student attendance is required at the lessons, and must give 24 hour notice for cancellation. Teachers are not required to make up lessons that students miss. Teachers are responsible for scheduling a make-up lesson for a lesson they themselves miss. If a student is 15 minutes late the teacher has the right to leave and won’t be required to make up the missed time or lesson.

Masterclasses

Masterclasses will be offered by guest artists in person or via Zoom. Students who are prepared will have an opportunity to perform and observe feedback for other students working with a guest teacher.

Faculty Recitals

At least once a year, there will be a faculty concert mandatory for students to attend as part of their curriculum.

Recitals

Recitals will be at the end of each term and will feature all of the students' hard work throughout the semester. The goal is to have each student memorize and perform their recital piece after having already practiced performing it extensively throughout the term and showing their highest current level. Mini recitals may also be organized.

Pianists

A pianist will be provided for each recital. If students wish to work with pianists during the semester, they are responsible for finding and making arrangements with their pianist if needed. A list of pianists will be sent to students.

Chamber Music

The program provides an opportunity for students to connect and form chamber groups. Students are encouraged to form groups and, if interest is indicated in the application, may be placed into a group. They may rehearse on their own time and arrange performances in group class. String Academy students may join in an ensemble piece at the end of the term recital.