Beginning Strings

Program Overview

Would you like to learn a string instrument? If so, Beginning Strings is for you! 

This program is for students who wish to study violin, viola, cello, or double bass in a supportive and engaging musical environment. Curriculum includes weekly group classes at six after-school locations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, performance opportunities, and private or small-group lessons. Our team of teaching artists inspire students to develop a love for music through string education, performance, and music literacy in a social environment. Many students engage in the program for multiple years and develop a strong foundation of both musical and interpersonal skills.

Open to students in grades 2-5 and through middle school for those with past Beginning Strings experience. Instrument and tuition scholarships are available. Students are expected to commit to classes for the duration of the program, from mid-October through early May.

Schools: 2024-2025 School Year

The Beginning Strings program will run as an after-school program at six schools during this school year. All Roaring Fork Valley students are welcome to participate in Beginning Strings at any participating school.

Meet Your AfterWorks Teachers!

Aspen Elementary School

• Mondays from 3:20-4:50p
• Classes start the week of October 14
• Click here to view the class schedule
• Required parent meeting: Monday, October 14th, 4:50-5:10p
• As of 8/21 we are still accepting applications for beginners but you will be placed on a waitlist.

Basalt Elementary School

• Wednesdays from 2:05-3:35p
• Classes start the week of October 14
• Click here to view the class schedule
• Required parent meeting: Wednesday, October 16th, 3:35-3:55p
• As of 8/21 we are still accepting applications for beginners but you will be placed on a waitlist.

Crystal River Elementary School

• Thursdays from 3:20-4:50p
• Classes start the week of October 14
• Click here to view the class schedule
• Required parent meeting: Thursday, October 17th, 4:50-5:10p
• As of 9/3 we are still accepting applications for beginners but you will be placed on a waitlist.

Glenwood Springs Elementary School

• Thursdays from 3:35-5:05p
• Classes start the week of October 14
• Click here to view the class schedule
• Required parent meeting: Thursday, October 17th, 5:05-5:25p
• As of 9/30 we are still accepting applications for beginners but you will be placed on a waitlist.

Riverview School

• Wednesdays from 2:05-3:35p
• Classes start the week of October 14
• Click here to view the class schedule
• Required parent meeting: Wednesday, October 16th, 3:35-3:55p
• NOTE: There will not be a beginner class at Riverview this year. If you have an interested student who has NOT been in Beginning Strings before please register for a beginner class at Aspen, Basalt, Crystal River, Sopris, or Glenwood Elementary Schools. 

Sopris Elementary School

• Tuesdays from 3:35-5:05p
• Classes start the week of October 14
• Click here to view the class schedule
• Required parent meeting: Tuesday, October 15th, 5:05-5:25p
• As of 9/30 we are still accepting applications for beginners but you will be placed on a waitlist.

Have a scheduling conflict with the Beginning Strings day at your school this fall? We can help... Reach out to us for options at education@aspenmusic.org!

After-School Program Cost: $295

Cost includes: 

• 19+ weeks of 90-minute classes
• Starter supply pack (rosin, shoulder rest or rock stop, finger tapes, method book, music stand)
• A series of private or small group lessons (lessons alone are valued at $120!)
• At least one performance on the Harris Concert Hall stage
• Snacks during classes
• Students are responsible for the cost of an instrument (rented or purchased). Some AMFS-owned scholarship instruments are available.
• The cost of this program is heavily subsidized by AMFS donors. Thank you, donors!

Scholarships & Payment Plans

Tuition scholarships are available to students who demonstrate significant financial need. Tuition payment plans are also available and can be requested during the acceptance process. Additionally, a limited number of instrument scholarships are available to students who are unable to afford purchasing or renting a violin/viola/cello/double bass. Instrument scholarships permit the use of an AMFS-owned instrument while enrolled in Beginning Strings.

AfterWorks Refund Policy

Once a student has registered for an AfterWorks program (Beginning Strings, Chamber Music Lab, Lead Guitar, or Maroon Bel Canto Choirs), the following policy will apply to tuition refunds if that student chooses to leave the program:

• Before first class/rehearsal: full tuition refund
• Between first and third class/rehearsal: half tuition refund
• After third class/rehearsal: no refund

Instruments

• Students can select to learn violin, viola, cello, or double bass through the Beginning Strings program. Follow these links to see each instrument demonstrated by our friends at The Harmony Project: violin, viola & cello.
• All students should have an instrument ready for the first day of Beginning Strings class. Students will receive detailed information about securing an instrument when they have been accepted to the Beginning Strings program.
• Determine what size instrument your student needs with these helpful videos: violin, viola & cello.

Advanced Opportunities

Blue Square & Black Diamond Level Students

Were you involved in Beginning Strings in the past? If you have achieved placement in the Blue Square (intermediate) or Black Diamond (advanced) level of the Beginning Strings program, you will be placed in your own class during the already scheduled class times. All students will be assessed during the first week of class and placed into the appropriate class division.

AMFS CHAMBER MUSIC LAB - For Double Black Diamond Level Students & Beyond

If you have reached the Double Black Diamond Level in Beginning Strings and/or moved past the regular curriculum and would like to continue, AMFS Chamber Music Lab is for you! In this chamber music program, you will be placed in a small ensemble to develop ensemble skills, learn extended techniques, and expand your independent musicianship with a dedicated ensemble coach.

Interested students will be formed into chamber music groups according to age/grade level and experience/ability level. Small ensemble groups will meet regularly at locations and times based on student and coach availability.

For large ensemble opportunities beyond Beginning Strings, we recommend continuing your musical experience with our friends at the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra!

2024-2025 Performance Opportunities

• December 2024 - AfterWorks Winter Informances | your beginning strings school!
• February 2025 - AfterWorks Solo & Ensemble Recital | Harris Concert Hall
  • Select students invited to participate based on work in private lessons
• May 2025 - Beginning Strings Lab Showcase Concert | Harris Concert Hall
  • Beginning Strings classes end after the Showcase Concert

To learn more, please contact:
Lindsay Bobyak, Manager of Education and Community Programs
Email | 970 205 5055

Support for AMFS Education and Community Programs comes from Nancy Swift Furlotti and the Pettit Foundation, Dana and Gene Powell, Alpine Bank, Nancy Meinig - Meinig Family Foundation, the Fisher Family Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Edith Kallas and Joe Whatley, Golub Family Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, and Hensley and James Peterson.  

Special support for the Beginning Strings program from Leelee and Bill Harriman.