Mozart Strings Project Parent Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:: What is the Mozart Strings Project?
The Mozart Strings Project is an after-school beginning string instruction program for elementary students, offered by the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association (CSYSA). It was started in 1994 to meet growing demand for orchestral training and is open to all students regardless of school/district.
Q:: What ages/grades can join?
Grades accepted are 3rd through 6th grade, depending on the site. Occasionally, 2nd graders are accepted (depending on maturity).
Q:: What's the difference between Beginner and Intermediate/2nd Year classes?
The first year beginner class teaches starts students on an instrument of their choice - focusing on posture, tone production, and basic note reading. The Intermediate/2nd year class extends these skills to also include more advanced note reading, extended foundational skills, and beginning ensemble skills. Students with more experience than that may fit better in one of CSYSA's auditioned orchestras — contact Program Director Renée Botton (rbotton@csysa.com) if you're not sure which is the right fit.
Q:: What instruments can my child choose from?
Our classes teach violin, viola, cello, and bass. For the first year, violins and violas are taught in one class, with cellos and basses in a separate class. For the second year, all instruments combine together.
Q:: How many days/hours a week do classes meet, and when does the season run?
Students attend two one-hour rehearsals each week, from mid-September to mid-May - generally following the schedule of the school nearby for breaks.
Q:: How many concerts will my child perform in?
Mozart students give three “informances” each year to demonstrate their growing skills. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to perform individually at a recital at least once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:: How much does tuition cost, and what does it include? 2026–2027 tuition is $775 for the entire school year (about $13/hour), and it includes a t-shirt. There is also a $100 Program Enrichment Fee (per family) to offset additional program costs.
Q:: Is instrument rental included in tuition?
No — instrument rental is separate. Through CSYSA's partnership with Graner Music, students can try instruments, get sized, purchase accessories, and rent instruments at the Parent Information and Enrollment meetings.
Q:: Are payment plans or financial aid available?
Yes — payment plans are available to all, and need-based financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify.
Q:: Is there a sibling discount?
Yes — a 10% discount is offered for a second child enrolled.
Q:: How do I join the Preferred/Early Notice list?
Sign up through the "Join Mozart Strings Project (MSP) Preferred List" form on this page, which asks for details like preferred site, student info, school, grade, and instrument interest. Being on the Preferred List does not guarantee you a spot in our classes - it just gets you on our list so you receive an email invitation to apply as soon as the application window opens. Classes often fill up before the Enrollment meetings, so we encourage you to apply early!
Q:: When and how do I officially enroll?
Email invitations to apply will be sent to the Preferred List as soon as the application window opens. Classes often fill up before the Enrollment meetings, so we encourage you to apply early! e remainder of the classes are handled on a case-by-case basis. Who do I contact with general questions? Renée Botton, Mozart Strings Project Director — 719-660-1310, rbotton@csysa.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:: Which site should I choose?
There are four sites — South/Vanguard, East/Banning Lewis, East/Liberty Tree Academy, and North/TCA. Parents and students can attend an information meeting at any location, not just their preferred site. For help selecting a site, contact Renée Botton at 719-660-1310 or rbotton@csysa.com.
Q:: Who do I contact for site-specific questions?
Each site has its own contact: • Vanguard/South: Nancy Marble, 303-908-7647, cellomarble@gmail.com • Banning Lewis & Liberty Tree Academy/East: Hilda Bernard, 719-649-3843, bernardh1204@gmail.com • TCA/North: Renée Botton, 719-660-1310, rbotton@csysa.com
Q:: Can I switch sites after enrolling? This depends on site enrollment. Contact Renee Botton to find out if there is space at your preferred site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:: Instruments How do I know which instrument is right for my child?
Students can hear a demonstration of all the instruments, try them, and be measured for size at the Information/Enrollment meetings. We encourage parents to allow their child to choose the instrument they best like the sound of - it really helps them have ownership of the instrument and gives them momentum to stick with it when they face challenges!
Q:: Where do I rent or size an instrument?
Through Graner Music, CSYSA's partner, available at the enrollment meetings. Please DO NOT purchase instruments secondhand unless you are working directly with one of our Mozart teachers. There are specific things we look for in an instrument to help your child be successful!
Q:: What if my child already has instrument experience?
Students with more experience may fit better in one of CSYSA's auditioned orchestras rather than Mozart Strings — contact Renée Botton to determine the right program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:: What happens at the Information/Enrollment meeting?
Parents meet the teachers, hear about the program, and students can hear/try all the instruments, get measured for sizing, and parents can fill out the application and rent an instrument.
Q:: Do I need to bring my student?
Yes! It’s important that your student be there to listen to the instruments again (they heard them in class) and get sized before you sign rental paperwork.
Q:: What happens after my student finishes Mozart Strings Project?
Students that successfully complete both years of Mozart are automatically eligible for the first of CSYSA's six auditioned orchestras, Wolfgang. Mozart students audition for Wolfgang with their Mozart teacher during class time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:: How big are the classes?
Class sizes range from 8 to 20 students, depending on room size and number of assistants available. Second hour classes tend to have a lower student to teacher ratio, allowing them to move more quickly through curriculum.
Q:: What's the withdrawal or missed-class policy?
If students miss several classes, we put you in touch with a private teacher to help them catch back up. Excessive missed classes will result in needing to retake the class the following year or move to a private lesson situation. The initial deposit is nonrefundable and withdrawal refunds for the remainder of the classes are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Q:: What is the concert dress?
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CSYSA-issued t-shirt
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Black dress shoes
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Black dress pants or long black skirt
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Mozart String Project t-shirts are ordered by the office based on the shirt size indicated on each musician’s enrollment packet. Teachers will distribute them to students before the first performance.
Q:: Who do I contact with general questions?
Renée Botton, Mozart Strings Project Director — 719-660-1310, rbotton@csysa.com.