String Preparatory Program
 In response to the Conservatory's request for an outreach program for area string students, Joanne Erwin designed the Oberlin College String Preparatory Program and began it with support from a Nord Foundation grant in the fall of 1993. The grant provided for the purchase of two violins, a viola, two celli, a small-sized bass and tuition scholarship funding for the first two years.
The program is open to students in grades four and five and is staffed by Conservatory students who have qualified by completing Dr. Erwin's String Pedagogy course; there are approximately 15 elementary students and 10 Conservatory students participating each year. The program includes individual lessons taught by a Conservatory student, part of a field-based experience, and group musicianship classes taught by Dr. Erwin. Both music education and string performance majors participate as teachers.
From its inception, the program has included satellite sites in arts magnet elementary schools in nearby cities. Conservatory students drive to the schools once a week and teach lessons and a group class to students who choose to participate.
The curriculum for the program emphasizes singing and movement as they relate to string development in the early stages; as a student progresses, composition and improvisatory techniques are developed.
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Yasmin Saaka
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Concerts are demonstrations of student progress, with an explanation of the pedagogy employed, and they often include parents' participation by singing or clapping.
Upon completion of the program students are referred to private teachers in the area and encouraged to play in the Youth Orchestras as well as their school music programs. Questions may be directed to Dr. Erwin.
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