String Preparatory Center

Welcome to the String Preparatory Center

At the University of Louisville String Preparatory Center (SPC), our mission is to foster a vibrant educational environment where developing musicians thrive. Our programs provide a variety of learning opportunities from private lessons to workshops to summer programs.

Private Lessons

The SPC offers private lessons in violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar and piano. Lessons take place at the University of Louisville throughout the year – 16 weeks during the fall and spring semesters and 12 weeks during the summer semester. At the end of each term, students may participate in a studio-wide recital. Our highly-trained SPC and university faculty members use both traditional and Suzuki pedagogical methods. Performances, masterclasses and workshops supplement weekly lesson curriculum.  

Events & Workshops

Throughout the year, a variety of workshops and masterclasses are offered to expand on the training students receive during their lessons. Programs like Middle School Honors Orchestra and High School Strings Weekend focus on expanding students’ orchestral skills and repertoire. Other events, such as the Suzuki Festival Concert, Bass Day and the Guitar Festival, are geared towards the skills and technique of individual instruments. Masterclasses – a series of performance lessons led by a guest artist – take place throughout the year and are open for all SPC students to attend. Check our calendar for all upcoming event dates. 

String Academy

The University of Louisville String Academy is a program for dedicated young string players to realize their full musical potential, within a community of motivating and nurturing faculty. This program is open to high-level, pre-collegiate violinists, violists, cellists, bassists and guitarists. The String Academy offers a substantial curriculum of masterclasses, chamber music, musicianship classes and concerto performance opportunities. The Academy meets on Saturdays throughout the school year at the UofL School of Music. 

Suzuki Studies

Founded in the early 1960s, the Suzuki program at the School of Music continues a long-held tradition of teaching excellence, shaping the lives and skills of countless young musicians. The String Preparatory Center currently offers Suzuki lessons in violin, cello, and piano. Additionally, for instructors seeking to gain their Suzuki certification, the SPC offers Suzuki Teacher Training courses in Books 1-10, as well as the “Every Child Can!” introductory program. 

Summer Programs

During the summer months, the SPC offers immersive educational programs, such as the Suzuki Institute – a Suzuki-based program, focused on improving the playing ability of young students in an educational and fun environment – and the UofL String Summit – an immersive, multi-day music intensive for advanced students looking to improve their craft through high-level technique workshops, masterclasses, and private lessons with university faculty.