Virginia Tech String Project
Our Mission:
To provide high quality and inclusive string music education for our community and to prepare Virginia Tech's undergraduate and graduate music students for success in their futures as music educators.
The award-winning Virginia Tech String Project, founded in 2007, is the signature community enrichment program for the music program at Virginia Tech. Our program is a member of the National String Project Consortium, founded in 1998, to address a national string teacher shortage through a plan that establishes teacher-training programs at universities throughout the country. Master string teachers work with Virginia Tech’s undergraduate music students to teach all classes. We fill a significant gap in the public-school system curriculum by providing beginning lessons in strings to students in the 3rd and 4th grades as well as providing a space for older students’ musical growth through multiple string orchestras for those with prior experience.
What people are saying
“My granddaughters and most of the students at Belle Heth would not have an opportunity to engage in the wonderful learning of string instruments if the Virginia Tech String Project didn't exist. I have watched my granddaughters grow tremendously with their violin skills and then transferring their knowledge to the piano and vocals. This program has helped both girls increase their self-confidence and discipline." -Belle Heth satellite program guardian
"Living in a rural area, access to quality classical string music education can be limited. The VT Strings Project not only fills this gap but also breaks down financial barriers, ensuring that our children, regardless of their economic circumstances, has the opportunity to pursue their musical passions. Through scholarships and innovative funding solutions, the program democratizes access to the arts, enriching the lives of countless families in our community. The social impact of the VT Strings Project is truly remarkable." -Program parent
“I can’t believe how much my child has learned in one year. Amazing job, teachers!” -Program parent
“I am so grateful to have worked with VTSP during my time here! It has not only fueled my passion for music, but fostered my ability to work with and mentor those from all walks of life. String Project has been a highlight of my undergraduate career, and I have so much gratitude for this program! -Undergraduate student teacher
Questions about VTSP?
Are you an incoming Hokie interested in teaching for VTSP?
Reach out to the VTSP director.
Academic Year
- String Project offers group guitar, violin, viola, cello, and double bass classes as well as private lessons for violin, viola, cello, and double bass! Children in the 3rd grade through adults are welcome in our program!
- Guitar classes meet at Virginia Tech on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Violin, viola, cello, and double bass classes meet at Virgina Tech on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
- Instrument rental plans are available through Greg Bump at Rocket Music, and we have a small library of no-cost instruments for families in need.
- 2025-26 VTSP Handbook
Summer Camp
The 2026 VTSP Summer Intensive Camp will run August 2-6. Registration will open in February, check back soon!
Meet our Faculty
Director
Molly Wilkens-Reed
Alan Weinstein
Master Teachers
Joey Ballard
Yi-wen Evans
Student Teachers
Kelby Grady
Darnell Leon
Grace Kistler
Lindsey Finks
Genevieve Kopp
Zachary James Flitcraft
Julia Calcagno
Gregory Driscoll
Carlos Rojas
Catherine Tyre
Ayush Kataria
Sarah Pendergraft
Connor O’Brien
Omid Sayyadli
Ethan Begley
News and Awards
- Keep up to date with the latest news and stories from the Virginia Tech String Project by following our Facebook and Instagram!
- Recipients of a 2025 Rooted in Community Collaboration Grant from the National String Project Consortium.
- VTSP Leadership was recognized with the 2024 Alumni Award for Outreach Excellence- Team Achievement. Read more here.
- Mazi Zachary recognized with receipt of Future Music Educator of the Year award from the Virginia String Teachers Associaton (VASTA) in 2024
- Thomas "Tommy" Cummins recognized with receipt of Future Music Educator of the Year award in 2022
- Bringing string music education to rural southwest Virginia
- Virginia Tech String Project Rehearsal doodle by Steven White
- Orchestrating a symphony of connections in community music education
- String Project brings music instruction to Montgomery County
- The National String Project Consortium 20th anniversary virtual orchestra performance
