Summer String Institute
Summer String Institute
Click here to register
The WKU Summer String Institute is a concentrated week of study for violin, viola, cello, and bass students ages 4 - 18. Enrolled students will participate in master classes, group instruction, orchestral study, concerts, and musical enrichment on the campus of Western Kentucky University. The Institute features two courses of study:
Twinklers: A half-day session for young violin or cello beginners
Young Musicians: A full-day session for elementary through high school age students
The Institute offers all students the valuable opportunity to deepen their knowledge of string playing in an engaging and exciting environment. The teaching faculty of the Summer String Institute includes WKU music faculty members and guest artist teachers.
New for Summer 2026:Twinklers Cello!
Taught by Dr. Eunice Kim, our Twinklers Cello class welcomes beginners the opportunity to learn cello in a group enviornment. See details below.
Twinklers
Half Day: 9:00am - 11:30am
Violin and Cello
- Beginners Welcome!
- Students age 4 and older
- We provide instruments at no additional cost!
Enrollment in the Twinklers - Half-Day is open to brand new violin or cello beginners and students studying Suzuki violin or cello in Books 1-3, Ages 4 and older. Students will participate in a group class led by one of our faculty members. Group classes are organized around age and skill levels. SSI is designed to be a family experience and parents are encouraged to attend classes with their child and help them prepare for each days lessons.
Twinklers Half-day Tuition
Regular Registration (May 1 – June 30): $225
Last minute Registration (up until July 17): $250
Special Instuctions for Cello
To register for Twinklers Cello, on the registration form, type "Cello" in the Additional Information section.
Young Musicians
Full-Day: 9:00am –3:30pm
Enrollment in the Young Musicians – Full-Day is open to elementary through high school students who play violin, viola, cello and bass. Daily instruction will include orchestra, group classes, sectionals, lessons (in masterclass format), and music theory enrichment classes. Full-day session includes lunch. Students enrolling in this session need to have a minimum of 1 year of experience and be proficient reading the notes on all 4 strings of their instruments.
Tuition
Early Registration (before May 1): $275 (lunch included)
Regular Registration (May 1 – June 30): $300 (lunch included)
Last minute Registration (up until July 17): $325 (lunch included)
Chamber Music
For those interested in an intensive chamber music experience, consider enrolling in the Hilltop String Festival, held on WKU's campus June 12-19, 2026. More info below:
Concerto Competition
Our concerto competition is open to ALL INSTRUMENTS. The winner will perform their solo in the Finale concert. Please Click here to read the guidelines and rules.
Location
All classes will be held at WKU in the two adjacent buildings of the Music Department: the Fine Arts Center and the Music Hall. Dropoff and pickup will be at the Music Hall's circular drive (“Virginia Garrett Loop”). Music Hall is off of Normal Drive. There will be signs and teachers outside for pickup and drop off times. Google maps link.
Parking
Parking on campus is free only after 4:30PM. You can visit the parking website for more information: https://www.wku.edu/transportation/visitors/ (Note the second paragraph: Temporary Visitor Permit Visitors may purchase a $2/day Visitor Parking Permit at Parking and Transportation Services office located on the lower level of the Downing Student Union. Visitor permits are non-refundable).
Final Concert
The institute week will conclude with a concert involving all of the camp participants from both the half-day and full-day programs.
Friday, July 24
3:00pm
Van Meter Auditorium, WKU Campus
Registration
To ensure that we have a T-shirt for your child, registration must be completed by July 1st.
Tuition
Twinklers Half-day
Early Registration (before April 30): $200
Regular Registration (May 1 – June 30): $225
Last minute Registration (up until July 17): $250
Young Musicians Full-day
Early Registration (before April 30): $275 (lunch included)
Regular Registration (May 1 – June 30): $300 (lunch included)
Last minute Registration (up until July 17): $325 (lunch included)
For more information or any questions, contact Camp Director, Andy Braddock at andrew.braddock@wku.edu
Thank you to SKY Pediatric Dentistry for their generous support.
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