IOSP Youth Strings Program

Fall 2025/ Spring 2026 REGISTRATION is OPEN!

YOU CAN STILL JOIN THE PROGRAM - SEE BELOW!

INDIVIDUAL CLASSES START ON SEPTEMBER 15

GROUP CLASSES & ORCHESTRA BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 22

Select your location and Pre-Register HERE

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE - scroll down to the bottom of this page for more information and forms!

The Strings Program provides lessons for youth in violin, viola, cello, and bass with instruction from local and internationally renowned Artist Instructors. Participating in these lessons develops foundational musical skills, while honing teamwork and leadership qualities that last a lifetime. Our Youth Orchestra program includes individual lessons in addition to group lessons, orchestra rehearsals, performance opportunities, special events and workshops.

DECEMBER 3, 2025 @5:30pm

Youth Orchestra Concert

TBD

Christmas Community Concert

DECEMBER 11 & 12 @5:00 pm

Student RECITALS at MacRostie Art Center

TUITION

Includes 27 lessons, group lessons* and orchestra rehearsals* plus performances. Financial Aid is available! Scroll down to learn more.

Elementary School Students
2nd – 5th grade: 30-minute lessons $810.

Middle School Students
6th – 8th grade: 45-minute lessons $1,215.

High School Students
9th – 12th grade: 60-minute lessons $1,620.
6th – 8th grade: 45-minute lessons $1,215.

*10% discount per person (up to 4 people) when registering siblings at the same time.

Monthly instrument rental available:

$15 – Violin and Viola
$25 – Cello
$30 – Bass

*group lessons and orchestra are currently only available in Grand Rapids, however everyone taking lessons outside of Grand Rapids is welcome to be a part of our our orchestras. Additional fee for the group lessons is $175.

Participants in locations outside of Grand Rapids might be subject to instructor’s mileage fee.

SCHEDULE

OPUS 1 VIOLIN/VIOLA group:
TUESDAYS at 3:15-4:15 pm

OPUS 1 CELLO/BASS group:
THURSDAYS at 5:00- 6:00 pm

YOUTH ORCHESTRA VIOLIN/VIOLA group:
TUESDAYS at 4:15-5:15pm

YOUTH ORCHESTRA CELLO/BASS group:
THURSDAYS at 4:00-5:00 pm

Opus 1 Orchestra (1st year and 2nd year students):
MONDAYS at 3:15-4:15pm

Itasca Youth Orchestra:
WEDNESDAYS at 3:00-5:00pm

ALL GROUPS AND ORCHESTRAS meet at the MIDDLE SCHOOL in GRAND RAPIDS.

DOWNLOAD YOUR SCHEDULE FOR GROUP&ENSEMBLE CLASSES and CONCERTS HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • To register for the lessons you need to create an account on our registration platform and fill out the necessary forms, including your child's age and instrument of choice.

  • Yes, there is a non-refundable registration fee of $25 per student for each Academic Year that must be paid in full at the time of pre registration.

  • We have a limited number of instruments available for rent via IOSP program. Contact IOSP for more information.

  • Yes, our students have access to financial aid and returning students can also apply for a merit scholarship. Scroll down to the bottom of our page for more informations and scholarship forms.

  • You will be billed via our online platform AMILIA. During your pre-registration for the program you will be asked to create an account on AMILIA in order to register for lessons and receive invoices.

  • Yes. Please contact IOSP for more information.

Faculty

  • Pedro Oviedo

    DIRECTOR/VIOLA

  • Magdalena Sas

    CELLO

  • Babette Allen

    VIOLIN

  • Vincent Osborn

    BASS

view faculty bios

Upcoming Events

Financial Aid & Scholarships

  • We are committed to offer access to music education through financial aid to elegible families.

    Although we aim to provide as much aid as possible, funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Note: To receive financial aid, you must submit a financial aid form, and pre-register using the amilia platform. Once the application is processed, the financial aid will be applied to your account. You will then be able to complete your registration and know how much balance is left.

    Please know that financial aid cannot be applied retroactively.

    Application form HERE.

  • Available for the Fall/Spring programming and only for students who have been attending IOSP classes for at least one year. We highly recommend consulting with your teacher first - merit scholarships need your instrument teacher’s recommendation.

    DEADLINE September 14, 2025

    Application form HERE.

  • Available to students who register for our Summer String Camp.

    Scholarships are offered on a first come first served basis.

    DOWNLOAD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Have more questions about programs, tuition or scholarships? Please feel free to reach out to us!

CONTACT IOSP