Summer Strings Camp (Oak Park String Academy) June 2026
Keep the momentum going after school orchestra ends! Oak Park String Academy’s Summer Strings Camp is a fun, skill-building, small-group week designed for students who want to grow quickly and feel confident heading into next year.
We keep enrollment intentionally tiny — only about 8 students per camp — so every child gets real, individualized attention from OPSA professional facultyand inspiring high-level high school performers who serve as mentors, section leaders, and role models.
Week 1: June 8–12 (Rising 4th Graders)
Perfect for students who are thinking of starting strings in school as a 4th grader and want to have a head start on building a solid foundation.
Students will:
Develop music reading
Build solid rhythm and ensemble skills
Learn about technique and posture
Develop core habits that prepare them for middle school orchestra
Have a great time making music with new friends
Week 2: June 15–19 (Rising 5th–6th Graders)
For students ready to move at a slightly faster pace and deepen their skills.
Students will:
Strengthen music reading and ensemble confidence
Improve shifting skills
Begin/strengthen vibrato
Build technique, rhythm, and musical independence
Enjoy collaborative music-making in a positive, motivating environment
Schedule
Monday–Friday | 9:00am–12:00pm
Tuition
Early Bird (register by April 1): $395
Regular Tuition (after April 1): $425
Spots are limited and these small camps tend to fill quickly — share with a friend from school orchestra and come grow together this summer!
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki was a Japanese violinist and humanitarian. Witnessing the destruction of his homeland due to the Second World War, he formed a vision to help nudge the world toward peace through its children. Through music, Dr. Suzuki hoped to build noble hearts in children all around the world.
With this in mind, we produce an event each year that connects our students from Oak Park and the surrounding areas to the larger world they live in. In previous years, our students helped to raise money through their music for the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), the Heartland Alliance’s unaccompanied minor program, Hephzibah Children’s Association., and A House in Austin. Videos of past concerts can be viewed here.
OPSA students and faculty will create a moving concert to include violin students of all ages and levels. In previous years, we performed music from Syria, Lebanon, China, Romania, and more. This year, students will present several of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with a full string ensemble and even a holiday sing-along. Students will join to play music together and hopefully make the world just a little more peaceful and beautiful.
The Early Childhood Collaboration will be the recipient of the funds we raise. In past years, OPSA has raised almost $2,000 for our recipient organizations. We hope to do even better this year! You can make a donation right away!
Kindermusik with Pat at OPSA has classes for infants through age 7 years.
Kindermusik is a great way to start out with music education for your child. As an experienced Suzuki parent and Kindermusik instructor, Pat Larson will guide you and your child through the start of your musical journey.
The first level, Foundations, is for children up to 18 months.
This semester, parents are invited to come to two different infant classes when they register for one class (depending on space availability).
There’s still space in the Saturday class at 11 a.m. for children up to 3 ½ years!
Laurie Niles, founder of the amazing Violinist.com website.
Our esteemed colleague, Laurie Niles, over at Violinist.com has compiled a very helpful list of links to help you find the official Suzuki recordings made by some of the best artists in the world. As a method based on listening, it is IMPERATIVE that you play the Suzuki recordings as often as possible for you and your child. The most successful students are the ones who LISTEN the most!
Join our Summer Small Group Violin/Viola Lessons for Young Musicians!
Is your child currently learning the violin or viola in school and looking to continue improving their skills over the summer?
We have a fantastic opportunity for them! Join our summer small group classes. Classes start next week, June 20th.
Overview:
Dates: Tuesdays June 20th, June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25, and August 1 (no class July 4th)
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Oak Park String Academy 350 Harrison St. Oak Park, IL 60304
Instrument: Violin or Viola
Age group: 4th and 5th graders
Cost: $185 per student for the entire session
Students should bring their current size instrument. Please DO NOT size up until after the first class if needed.
This small group lesson program has been designed to provide young musicians with a supportive and interactive environment where they can develop their skills, enhance their musical understanding, and have fun playing their chosen instrument. The sessions will be led by our highly experienced and dedicated music instructors, who are well-versed in working with students at this stage of their musical journey.
Here are some key features and benefits of the program:
Small Group Setting: By participating in a small group, your child will have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from their peers while receiving personalized attention from the instructor.
Skill Development: Our lessons will focus on building a solid foundation in technique, note-reading, musical expression, and ensemble playing.
Engaging Activities: The lessons will incorporate various engaging activities, games, and exercises to make the learning experience enjoyable and enriching.
Performance Opportunities: On the last day of the session, we will organize a small recital for the students to showcase their progress and boost their confidence.
By enrolling your child in our summer classes, you’re providing them with the opportunity to continue their musical journey and build a strong foundation on the violin or viola.
To enroll your child in this program, please complete this registration form and submit the payment of $185 by June 18.
If you have any questions, or concerns, or require further information about the program, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and provide any clarification you may need.
We look forward to helping your child grow as a musician this summer!
As we approach the summer season, it’s a great time to explore the many concerts and events happening in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Taking your child to hear live music is an important part of keeping them motivated and inspired, and there are many wonderful festivals and concerts to choose from.
Attending live performances is an excellent way for students to witness the mastery achieved by high-level performers and to gain valuable insights into the technical details they practice daily. Seeing the dedication and attention to detail that the world’s finest musicians put into their performances can inspire young performers to create their own artistic vision and approach.
We encourage you to take advantage of the many wonderful concerts and festivals coming up this summer.
Here are a few that we recommend:
Grant Park Music Festival: This is one of the biggest and most beloved events of the summer, offering free, outdoor classical music concerts all summer long. We recommend checking out Augustin Hadelich, who is the violinist on the most recent Suzuki book 4-6 recordings, on August 11th and 12th. You can find more information about the festival’s lineup here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2023-season
Thirsty Ears Festival: This 2-day classical music and street food festival takes place on August 12th and 13th in Chicago near Wilson and Ravenswood. You can find more information about the festival here: https://acmusic.org/events/thirsty-ears-festival-2/
Ravinia Music Festival: North America’s oldest summer festival brings local and international artists of all different genres, including classical and jazz concerts. It’s a great place to bring a picnic basket and eat while listening to music. You can find more information about the festival here: https://www.ravinia.org/Information
We hope you and your child enjoy attending these concerts and festivals and have a wonderful summer filled with music!
Angela Thompson is a violinist and violin instructor with training in the Suzuki Method of music education. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the National Conservatory of Peru in violin performance. She has played as a soloist with the Cusco Symphony Orchestra and has taken master classes from internationally known violinists, such as Ray Chen and Rachel Barton.
Angela has over a decade of teaching experience. In 2015, she co-founded the Capulitaki School of Music in Lima, Peru, which currently teaches Classical and Latin American traditional music to children of all ages. Her students have participated in musical festivals, concerts, and institutes and have toured various cities throughout Peru. She has completed Suzuki training courses Books 1- 8 and enrichment courses with Nancy Lokken, Marilyn O'Boyle, Ann Montzka, Nancy Jackson, Fernando Piñero, and Carol Dallinger. She has also received training in the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods. She has taught at festivals and institutes around Peru, and was the elected Violin Coordinator of the Suzuki Association of Peru from 2015-2017.
She loves traveling, her two cats, and learning different styles of music. She occasionally dabbles in amateur theatre and dance.
Summer Strings Camp (Oak Park String Academy) June 2026
Laurie Niles, founder of the amazing 
