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Photo focusing on two students playing the cello on stage with a group of students playing other stringed instruments behind them.

String Crossings Camp

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, 2021 Summer Music Camps are limited to day-only experiences. No residential options will be offered. Camp format and schedules are subject to change with campus protocols. Participants will be notified of modifications by May 1.

June 21-25, 2021

String Crossings is Belmont University’s annual week-long summer camp where current high school string students learn and perform music from a diverse set of genres including classical, jazz, rock, celtic, swing, and bluegrass. Students have the opportunity to study with Belmont's world renowned faculty, explore creative musicianship and technique in all styles, participate in interactive performances, and immerse themselves in an exciting week of making music with new friends!

Click here to listen to a music sample of previous camp participants!

Apply

Click here to apply

String Crossings is open to all students who play violin, viola, cello, or string bass in grades 9-12 (including incoming freshmen and graduating seniors).

String Crossings 2021 will be offered as a day camp, with no residential/housing options available. Students can choose to attend camp activities in-person, or participate virtually.

Students playing the cello.

 

Questions?

Email the camp director at stringcrossings@belmont.edu with any questions!

 

Why String Crossings?

  • Become a complete musician, as you study and perform in a variety of genres.
  • Learn and perform in a classical master class setting.
  • Learn commercial music improvisation techniques.
  • Learn basic and advanced techniques of various genres from the faculty at Belmont University.
  • Learn how to “comp” like the pros.  Melody, playing chords, chopping…you can do it all on your string instruments!
  • Ask direct questions about careers as a musician from professionals in the Nashville music industry.
  • Build relationships and study with the faculty at Belmont University.
  • Learn about the admission and audition process at Belmont University.
  • Experience what life is like as a string student on Belmont University's campus
  • Meet students from around the country who share your musical passions.
 

Faculty

Successful "A-List" musicians who have full schedules recording and teaching in the Nashville area and touring with artists around the world. Learn more about the camp faculty here with their links below:

Commercial Violin/Viola and Artistic Camp Director - Ryan Joseph
Classical Violin - Elisabeth Small
Classical Violin - Veronica Joines
Classical Viola - Sarah Cote
Classical Cello - Carmine Miranda
Classical Bass - Craig Nelson
Orchestra Conductor- Robert B. Gregg
Commercial Violin - Billy Contreras
Commercial and Electric Violin - Tracy Silverman
Commercial Bass - Roy Vogt

All camp counselors and faculty have received a background check and minor training prior to employment.

Required Materials for Application:

  • General Application Information (name, address, contact info, etc.)
  • Small Group Preferences
  • General Music Info (your background, repertoire list, previous experience)
  • Classical Placement Video (required)
  • Genre Placement Video (This 2nd video is encouraged but optional)
  • Emailed Recommendation Letter (from private teacher or orchestra director)
  • Application Fee of $100 (major credit and debit cards accepted)

Once all the elements of a student’s application have been received, camp staff will review the application and notify the student of acceptance within three weeks by email. This email will contain further instructions to complete registration, submit required release forms, and payment details.

A note about Small Groups:

All students are placed into one Small Group. These Small Groups expand on techniques in a certain genre such as Classical, Jazz, Fiddle/Bluegrass, or Rock/Pop. They rehearse every day and prepare a piece to perform. Think of this as a focus for the week. Feel free to try something new! The next question refers to which genre of Small Group you would like to be in for the week of camp. We try to honor as many first choices as possible, however due to instrumentation we sometimes have to use a student's second choice.

A Note about the Placement Videos:

We require to see a video (2nd video is optional) of you performing. A video shot on your phone is completely acceptable as long as we can clearly hear and see you play. These can be submitted by posting a URL (DropBox or GoogleDrive are preferred. Private YouTube links are acceptable) or by mailing us a flash drive which will be returned during camp.

Videos may be accompanied or unaccompanied. Please perform a short excerpt and edit the performance to be 2-3 minutes long. Let these videos represent your best work! This will be used to evaluate each camper’s playing ability, determine small group placement, and determine orchestra seating. If you have no experience with styles outside of classical playing but would like to participate in another genre, that is not a problem! We can place you based upon your classical excerpt. We are able to meet the needs of a wide range of playing experience at String Crossings, so please don’t be intimidated by this recording requirement. We just want to hear your best in order to provide the best possible experience for you at camp.

2021 Cost

 

Commuter Camper: $250.00 ($100.00 application fee applies to this amount)

  • Lunch (Monday-Friday) in the Johnson Center Dining Hall
  • Tuition for ensembles, chamber music, master classes and faculty concerts.

 

Still have questions? Email the camp director at stringcrossings@belmont.edu