Summer Music Camps June 23-July 31, 2025
Join one of our Summer Music Camps!
- Learn from local music educators and Virginia Tech music faculty.
- 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. with an early drop-off and late pick-up option.
- In additional to great music activities and classes, students have outside playtime and campus adventures every day!
Summer Camp Faculty:
Haley Jones is a passionate and dedicated music educator excited to share the joy of music with students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education & Vocal Performance from Virginia Tech and will complete her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction in Music Education in May of 2025. Currently, she teaches middle school general music and guitar as an itinerant music teacher in Montgomery County.
In addition to classroom teaching, Haley teaches private voice lessons, coaching students in vocal technique and aural skills. She previously worked with the Blacksburg Children’s Chorale, where she helped run rehearsals, warm-ups, and sectionals. Her dedication to music education and performance has been recognized with multiple Virginia Tech music awards, including the Outstanding Contributions to Music Education Award and the Premier Award for Outstanding Contributions to Music.
She is thrilled to bring her love of music to the Elementary Arts Camp, helping students explore, create, and develop a lifelong appreciation for music!
Joey Ballard is the current music teacher at Margaret Beeks Elementary School. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2016, Joey found a home in Blacksburg, teaching and playing with several local bands, including The Jared Stout Band. This led to some incredible experiences, including recording two full-length albums, being named an Artist on the Rise at Floydfest, sharing the stage with names like the Infamous Stringdusters, The Little River Band, .38 Special, and many more. From an early age, Joey has been drawn to the beauty of learning many instruments and has been considered the Swiss Army knife musician. Even though he focused on percussion through most of college, he has said playing guitar and bass are his favorites. Getting to share his passion for stringed instruments while working at his alma mater is a dream come true.
Mazi Zachary graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction. She has worked for the Virginia Tech String Project since 2020, teaching group classes, private lessons, summer camps, and serving as the Assistant Director. She also led the American String Teachers Association chapter at Virginia Tech during her master's degree, holding workshops and other events for the music students. Currently, Mazi continues to work with the Virginia Tech String Project and has a local studio for private string lessons. She also performs frequently in the New River Valley area at churches, weddings, and other local events. Professionally, she is a member of the Virginia Music Education Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the American String Teachers Association.
Double bassist Yi-wen Evans is the Master Teacher of the Virginia Tech String Project, orchestra director of Roanoke City Public Schools, and the instructor of Roanoke County School String Program. Originally from Taiwan, she was a member of the Kaohsiung City Symphony Orchestra and Kaohsiung City Chinese Orchestra. She has also performed with New River Valley Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke, and works actively in many chamber music ensembles.
Elementary Arts Camp
June 23-27, 9-3 p.m.
Come drum, sing, move, and be surrounded by music this summer!
- Rising 1st-5th graders
- June 23-27, 9-3pm
- Cost is $275 which includes instruction time and counselor-led recreation time. 8:30am early drop off and late pick up at 4:45pm are an additional $50 for the week.
Musical Instrument Exploration Camp
July 27, 1-5 p.m. & July 28-31, 9-3 p.m.
Come explore new instruments and music concepts! Students will get to explore playing violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion, and guitar!
- Rising 2nd-8th graders
- Cost is $275 which includes instruction time and counselor-led recreation time. 8:30am early drop off and late pick up at 4:45pm are an additional $50 for the week.
Singer-Songwriter Camp
July 27, 1-5 p.m. & July 28-31, 9-3 p.m.
Guitar experience required. Learn essential tunes, industry insights, and how to effectively promote your music, all while improving your musicianship. Self-taught students welcome!
- Rising 4th-12th graders
- Cost is $275 which includes instruction time and counselor-led recreation time. 8:30am early drop off and late pick up at 4:45pm are an additional $50 for the week.
String Intensive Camp
July 27-31, 1-5 p.m. & July 28-31, 9-3 p.m.
For violin, viola, cello, and bass players with prior experience of at least one year.
- Rising 2nd-12th graders
- Cost is $275 which includes instruction time and counselor-led recreation time. 8:30am early drop off and late pick up at 4:45 pm are an additional $50 for the week.
Additional information
All instruction is led by local music educators and Virginia Tech music faculty. In addition to great music activities and classes, students have outside playtime and campus adventures every day! Singer-Songwriter and String Intensive campers will finish out the weekend with a performance on the Steppin' Out Blacksburg Music Festival! Registration deadline for all camps is June 16th.
Contact stringproject@vt.edu for more information.