Virginia Tech String Project

09/02/2026

As we get ready for classes, remember that having an instrument that works well is really important for being successful. We recommend renting locally or purchasing from a reputable company. And, keep in mind that your child might need a fractional-size instrument at first until they grow more and are ready for a full-size instrument.

There are a lot of inexpensive violins available for beginners, but...

09/01/2026

We had a blast jamming with Mr. Peters at Christiansburg Elementary School this afternoon! He played the theme from Star Wars with us too! The 3rd graders had some really excellent questions and engaged in great musical discourse. 

08/31/2026

Save the date!

08/28/2026

Thanks Tall Oaks Montessori School, Eastern Montgomery Elementary, and Gilbert Linkous Elementary for hosting us over the last couple of days! We’ve so enjoyed working with your students and sharing our music!

08/27/2026

Meet our master teacher series! Mazi Pompell holds a BA in Music Education, as well as an MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction, both from Virginia Tech. She has worked with the Virginia Tech String Project since 2020 and has served in many different roles throughout her time with the program.
Outside of VTSP, Mazi runs a private lesson studio in Christiansburg where she works with nearly 30 local children and adults. She also frequently performs in the NRV at weddings, churches, and other events as a freelance musician.
Professionally, Mazi is a member of the American String Teachers Association and the National Association for Music Education.
She is looking forward to continuing her work with VTSP in this new role!

08/26/2026

Thanks Margaret Beeks Elementary School for having us over this afternoon for a performance and some great questions about string instruments! And thanks to Officer Martinez of the Blacksburg Police Department for help with instrument transport!

08/26/2026

Meet our master teacher series! João Ramos holds a Master of Arts in Music Performance from Radford University and a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil. His performance experience includes solo and ensemble settings, guitar quartet, guitar trio, guitar and archlute duo, and mariachi. He has also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Radford University, teaching and tutoring both music and non-music students. João is passionate about making music accessible and engaging for students as well as helping them develop confidence through music. João also shares performances and musical projects online.

08/26/2026

Meet our master teacher series! Double bassist Yi-wen Evans is beginning her 19th year as master teacher at the Virginia Tech String Project and is an orchestra director at Roanoke City Public Schools. Originally from Taiwan, she was a member of the Kaohsiung City Symphony Orchestra and Kaohsiung City Chinese Orchestra. She has also performed with New River Valley Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke, and works actively in many chamber music ensembles. Ms. Evans has an MAEd degree from Virginia Tech and a BA from Indiana University - Bloomington.

08/18/2026

Guitar registration is now open!
https://forms.gle/jKsTsPPRm8mRoLCE8