Last Update: 07/05/2010

Beginning String Classes

Pinellas Youth Symphony 2010-2011 Season 

Beginning string classes in violin, cello and bass are offered to students from 5-14 years of age with no prior strings knowledge. PYS also offers advanced beginner instructional string classes for students who have had at least 9 months prior experience. Although there are no audition requirements for acceptance into a string class, a young student must have an attention level which will allow him/her to take part in a one-hour class, without becoming bored or disruptive.

Date and Location of Beginning Strings classes:
 Beginning Strings classes meet for one hour late Sunday afternoons at the Marcia P. Hoffman Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall, starting on September 19th, 2010. A class fee of $250 includes at least 25 one-hour small group classes, which begin on September 19th and finish with an end-of-the-year recital in early May.

Important Note: A parent or guardian will be required to attend each string class with the enrolled student. This enables the parent to understand what is being taught and thereby help reinforce the lesson during the student’s practice sessions at home.

Pre-registration for Beginning String Classes:
 Pleasecomplete the pre-registration form. Submitting this registration form will place your child in line for classes. Class spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. An email confirming the receipt of the online registration form will be sent to each applicant.

Letter of Acceptance: A follow-up letter with a student’s class assignment and time will be mailed at least a week prior to classes starting.

Final registration and Tuition Payment for Beginning String Classes:
 Final registration will take place on the first day of class. Payment of a student's tuition ($250) must be paid in full and submitted to PYS by the start of the 2nd class. The tuition fee is non-refundable.

Scholarship applications:
A few need-based scholarships will be available to beginning string students. Scholarship application forms can be found at the PYS website and may be submitted during registration on the first day of class. All students must pay 1/3 of the tuition by the start of the 2nd class.

 Please note: at no time will the amount of scholarship exceed 2/3 of the regular tuition. The scholarship may require the student’s parent to perform tasks in conjunction with the PYS program. There are also fundraising opportunities in which parents can participate as a means to help defray the cost of the tuition.

Obtaining String Instruments:
Violins may be purchased or rented at reasonable rates from local area music stores.