CORE: 1st-12th Grades

Program Description

The CORE Program at Project STEP is designed to provide students in grades 1-12 with the comprehensive classical string training needed to find success in the classical music profession. Along with music instruction, classes and enrichment opportunities, the CORE Program offers ongoing informed guidance tailored to each student’s individualized needs. The CORE Program’s goal is to continue to bridge the gap between historically underrepresented communities and classical music through educational opportunities for students.

Sample Schedule

Time Location
9:00-10:00AM:Chamber Music
10:00-11:00AM: Music Theory
11:00-12:00PM:Break/Practice Time
12:00-1:00pm: Recital/Workshop/Masterclass
2:00-4:00pm:Large Ensemble/Orchestra
Private Lessons:Private Lesson is scheduled directly with teacher.

Expectations

Project STEP offers a comprehensive suite of activities including music instruction, classes and enrichment opportunities. We maintain high expectations, and we provide support for our students and families to help meet those expectations. Our families are committed to ensuring that their children get the most out of Project STEP, and they accomplish this by enjoying regular participation in the following activities:

  • Weekly private lessons, theory or solfège classes, orchestra rehearsals and chamber music coachings
  • Monthly student recitals and workshop classes
  • Master classes with guest artists
  • End-of-Year performance evaluations (jury exam)
  • Two Annual Concerts: MLK recital in January and The Spring Recital in May (students perform)
  • Community Service Performances (2 per school year) – date to be chosen by students / families
  • Attendance at professional performances in the Boston area (students submit two concert reports to the office per school year)

How to Apply/Auditions

If your child is entering Grades 2-12 this coming Fall (2023) they can sign up to audition into Project STEP’s CORE program. The registration deadline has now closed and will reopen in April 2025. Please contact info@projectstep.org.

Fees & Financial Aid

Project STEP has an annual program fee of $350. This fee represents approximately 5% of the direct instruction costs, and 3% of the costs of operating the program. Financial aid is available; awards may cover up to 90% of the program fee. A full tuition payment or a completed Financial Assistance Application is due in mid-September.

Parents’ Council

The Parents’ Council is made up of all parents of current Project STEP students and meets monthly throughout the academic year on the first Saturday of the month at 12 pm from October – May.  The Parents’ Council meetings are designed to be a safe place for parents to discuss concerns related to the program, and receive advice and support from other parents. Parents of current students are expected to attend Council meetings.

The purposes of the Parents’ Council are:

  • To provide a forum for the discussion of issues that are of concern to parents
  • To build a network of parents for the mutual exchange of information
  • To share, via guest speakers or workshops, practical information on various aspects of the program including summer camps, auditions for orchestras, and the process of applying for financial aid for college
  • To be a resource for all parents, especially to those who are new to the program

The Parents’ Council also plans social events for Project STEP parents and families, and oversees the Parents’ Benefit — a fundraising event associated with the Spring Recital.

Some Council meetings will be partly devoted to special seminars to discuss music-related topics such as instrument care, how to navigate practice resistance and help your child practice effectively, and summer music camps.

BEAM

Project STEP is a founding partner of BEAM (Bridge to Equity and Achievement in Music).  Visit BEAM for more information.

Questions?