String Crossings

June 16-21, 2024

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!

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.

Daily Schedule:

During camp week, students will participate in string orchestra rehearsals, electives, master classes, small groups and social experiences. The string orchestra will rehearse daily and perform at the final camp concert. Small group opportunities include daily coaching with Belmont string faculty, recording in one of Belmont’s studios and performing at the final camp concert. Master classes will provide solo lessons in a group setting and elective classes cover a wide range of techniques in various genres and styles of string playing. Evening activities include a mix of social activities and recitals (faculty and campers).

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 record and 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.

2024 Costs:

Resident Camper: $875 (Dorm Accommodations)

Includes dorm accommodations, all meals (in the Johnson Center Dining Hall), classes, master classes, recording session, rehearsals, faculty concerts, evening recreational activities, final Friday concert, and a String Crossings T-shirt.

Commuter Camper: $575 (No Dorm Accommodations)

Includes lunch/dinner (in the Johnson Center Dining Hall), classes, master classes, recording session, rehearsals, faculty concerts, evening recreational activities, final Friday concert, and a String Crossings T-shirt.

Application Fee: $100

Summer camp students participate strings class

Housing & Meals:

Students will be housed in Belmont University dormitories. Roommates will be assigned randomly by gender unless roommate requests are indicated on the registration form. While in the dormitories, participants will be under the careful supervision of the camp staff, and security will be a priority. All meals will be served in Johnson Center Dining Hall. Accommodations for food allergies are available.

Eligibility:

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).

Required Materials for Application:

General Application Information (name, address, contact info, etc.)
Small Group Preferences
General Music Info (your background, repertoire list, previous experience)
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 and payment details.