About the DCSA
The Door County String Academy offers string instruction to students in grades 3-12, ages 8-18. Students attend Gibraltar, Sevastopol, Sturgeon Bay, Southern Door, Algoma Schools or home school. Students are grouped into levels based on years of study and ability.
Level 1:
First year students meet once a week in small groups for 60-minutes.
Level 2:
1-4 years experience. Meets twice a week, once for a 30-minute private lesson and once for a 60-minute orchestra rehearsal. Private lesson times vary. Level 2 is a preparatory level for Level 3 and the DCSA String Ensemble.
Level 3:
More than 4 years experience on average. Performs in the DC String Ensemble Conducted by Mrs. Patty O'Rourke. This ensemble is made up of the DCSA's most advanced students as well as professional and amateur level adult string players. Each student receives a weekly 30-minute private lesson. Lesson times vary.
Lessons for the DCSA are offered to students September-May. The cost to participate in lessons for the school year is just $340.00. Instruments are available for rent through the academy and payment plans can be arranged.
Private Summer lessons are available for an additional fee.
Our Location
Classes are held at Sawyer Elementary School in Sturgeon Bay (West Side). Also, beginning level classes are held at Southern Door School and Gibraltar Schools.
Our Reason
While learning how to play the violin, viola, cello or string bass, students learn the fundamentals of music theory, composition and music history. The Door County String Academy teaches students to work well together, and instruction is kept positive and professional. More experienced students are invited to be mentors to younger students in the academy.
Our Expectation
Regular practicing is expected for a student to improve his/her playing. Students who participate in the academy need to schedule daily practice time at home and come to lessons prepared.
Our Music Festival
The DCSA Spring Music Festival offers students the opportunity to perform for a judge. Best performances receive trophies/medals and all students receive a special award for participating.
Financial Aid
The academy makes lessons available to all students. The academy’s financial assistance program allows qualifying families to receive reduced class fees and/or instrument rental.
Recruiting
In the spring, information about DCSA can be received at local elementary schools. The director recruits for the academy by demonstrating the instruments and giving students the opportunity to try the violin and the cello. New students must be entering the 3rd grade or higher in order to register for lessons.