AfterWorks 2026-2027: BEGINNING STRINGS Registration Form

Introduction

Would you like to learn a string instrument? Join Beginning Strings!

This program is for students who wish to study violin, viola, cello, or double bass in a supportive, engaging musical environment. Curriculum includes weekly group classes after-school locations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, performance opportunities, and private or small-group lessons. Our highly experienced teaching artists help students develop a joy and love of music through string education, performance, and music literacy in a social environment. Many students engage in the program for multiple years and develop a strong foundation of musical and interpersonal skills.

Open to students in grades 2-5. Instrument and tuition scholarships are available! It is expected that students commit to classes from mid-October through early May. Learn more.

The Aspen Music Festival and School's AfterWorks programming (after-school music education) also includes the AMFS Chamber Music Lab, Lead Guitar and Maroon Bel Canto Choirs programs. Students are welcome to participate in multiple programs.

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Student Information

Student First Name

Student Last Name

Student Birthdate

Student Gender

Female

Male

Prefer not to disclose/Other

Student Racial or Ethnic Group

If other (please specify):

Primary Household Language

If other (please specify):

Grade

School

Parent Email (Primary Account Email)

Student Email (if different than the primary or parent/guardian email)

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

In PREVIOUS school years, have you participated in any AfterWorks programs? (Check all that apply.)

No - I have not participated in any AfterWorks programs before... This is my first year!

Beginning Strings

Chamber Music Lab

Lead Guitar

Maroon Bel Canto Choirs

For how many years prior to this year have you participated in Beginning Strings?

Please tell us about your musical background. Have you taken music classes or lessons before? What instruments, if any, have you studied?

Parent/Guardian Information

Communication about AfterWorks programming will come through email, so please make sure your email address is accurate! Additionally, please provide your phone number for emergency contacts during AfterWorks programming.

Guardian 1: First Name

Guardian 1: Last Name

Guardian 1: Relationship to Student

Guardian 1: Email

Guardian 1: Cell / Primary Phone

Guardian 1: Alternate Phone

Would you like to submit contact information for a second parent/guardian?

Yes

Guardian 2: First Name

Guardian 2: Last Name

Guardian 2: Relationship to Student

Guardian 2: Email (only if different from the Guardian 1 Email listed above)

Guardian 2: Cell / Primary Phone

Guardian 2: Alternate Phone

Program Application

Beginning Strings Class Time and Location

Beginning Strings programming will run as an after-school program at the following schools this school year.

All Roaring Fork Valley students (regardless of what school they attend during the school year) are welcome to participate in Beginning Strings at any participating school. Transportation is not provided.

ASPEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 19
Mondays, 3:20-4:50 PM

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - Classes start October 19
Mondays, 3:30-5:00 PM

BASALT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 14
Wednesdays, 2:05-3:35 PM

As of 2:30pm on 8/20 we are on a waitlist for the beginner class at BES! You may still register for this class and we will let you know in 1-2 weeks if we can get you in, or you can register at Aspen Elementary or Cornerstone Christian Schools on Mondays.

CRYSTAL RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 15
Thursdays, 3:20-4:50 PM

RIVERVIEW SCHOOL - Classes start October 15
Thursdays, 3:35-5:05 PM
**4th and 5th grade only**

GLENWOOD SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 15
Thursdays, 3:35-5:05 PM

SOPRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 13
Tuesdays, 3:35-5:05 PM

At which school would you like to attend Beginning Strings class?

You've chosen to attend Beginning Strings classes at Aspen Elementary School.

Class day: Mondays
Class time: 3:20-4:50 PM
Class start date: October 19
Meeting place: AES Music Room

You've chosen to attend Beginning Strings classes at Cornerstone Christian School.

Class day: Mondays
Class time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Class start date: October 19
Meeting place: CCS Music Room

You've chosen to attend Beginning Strings classes at Basalt Elementary School.

Class day: Wednesdays
Class time: 2:05-3:35 PM
Class start date: October 14
Meeting place: BES Music Room

You've chosen to attend Beginning Strings classes at Crystal River Elementary School.

Class day: Thursdays
Class time: 3:20-4:50 PM
Class start date: October 15
Meeting place: CRES Music Room

You've chosen to attend Beginning Strings classes at Riverview School.

Class day: Thursdays
Class time: 3:35-5:05 PM
Class start date: October 15
Meeting place: RS Music Room

You've chosen to attend Beginning Strings classes at Glenwood Springs Elementary School.

Class day: Thursdays
Class time: 3:35-5:05 PM
Class start date: October 15
Meeting place: GSES Music Room

You've chosen to attend Beginning Strings classes at Sopris Elementary School.

Class day: Tuesdays
Class time: 3:35-5:05 PM
Class start date: October 13
Meeting place: SES Music Room

Instrument Choice

Students can select to play violin, viola or cello through the Beginning Strings program. Double bass instruction is offered only at Sopris Elementary School. Follow these links to see each instrument demonstrated by our friends at the Harmony Program: violin, viola & cello.

What instrument would you like to play in Beginning Strings?

Do you already have this instrument to use in the Beginning Strings program?

Yes

Is this an AMFS-owned scholarship instrument?

Yes

You currently have an AMFS scholarship instrument! Enter the number (example: #62) and size (example: 1/4) of the instrument here. The number and size can be found on the outside of the case.

Because you currently have an AMFS-owned scholarship instrument, would you like to keep the instrument you have now, or do you think you might need a different size instrument?

I want to keep the instrument I have now.

I need a different size instrument.

Your AMFS Scholarship Instrument
To continue using this AMFS scholarship instrument, you must apply for an instrument scholarship in the "Scholarship Application" section below. The Beginning Strings instructors will evaluate the condition of your instrument at the start of the Beginning Strings class series and will check to ensure that it is still the correct size for you. If you are again granted an instrument scholarship, the instrument will then be checked back out to you or replaced with a correct size.

Securing An Instrument

If you are accepted into the Beginning Strings program and we have received your tuition payment (or your tuition scholarship request has been approved, if applicable), you will receive information about securing an instrument.

Families can submit a request (below) to be considered for an AMFS instrument scholarship or a subsidized rental, which range from $0-25/month. Because our inventory of scholarship instruments is limited, we may not be able to accommodate every request.
If you do not submit a instrument scholarship application (or if you were not awarded one), we encourage you to rent or purchase an instrument directly from one of the recommended shops below:
- Glenwood Music
- Luther Strings in Denver, Colorado
- Shar Music

Determine what size instrument your student needs with these helpful videos: violin, viola & cello.

Have questions? Please reach out to us...we are here to help!

Experience on This Instrument

Students with prior instrument experience will be placed into the appropriate class division for their age and playing level. All students will be assessed for class placement during the first week of Beginning Strings.

Do you have previous experience on this instrument (through Beginning Strings or another program)?

Yes

Tell us more about your experience on this specific instrument. How many years have you played? Have you taken classes, lessons, or both? Was this through Beginning Strings or another program?

AMFS offers a Chamber Music Lab program for older, intermediate players (typically students who have achieved the Double Black Diamond rating or above). The Chamber Music Lab combines students into small ensembles to play chamber music in weekly classes. Would you like to be considered for this program?

Yes

Great! A Beginning Strings representative will contact you with more information about opportunities with the AMFS Chamber Music Lab.

Program Cost and Scholarship

Beginning Strings Program Cost: $315

Cost includes 19+ weeks of classes, a starter pack (rosin, shoulder rest or rock stop, finger tapes, Essential Elements method book, music stand), three private lessons (lessons alone are valued at $125!), performance opportunities, and snacks during classes. This program is heavily subsidized by the AMFS and generous donors--thank you, donors!

Instrument Purchase or Rental Costs:

Rentals are generally $20-35/month and purchases start around $300. Don't buy an instrument from Amazon, the prices are tempting but the instruments are poor quality and will be hard for your student to learn to play on. Please add your instrument cost to the program cost to determine the total cost of Beginning Strings.

A limited number of tuition and instrument scholarships (full and partial) are available to families who demonstrate significant financial need. We are also able to set up tuition payment plans for interested students/families.

Would you like to apply for a Beginning Strings TUITION scholarship?

Yes

Would you like to apply for a Beginning Strings INSTRUMENT scholarship? (If you currently have an AMFS scholarship instrument and want to keep using it, select Yes.)

Yes

Scholarship Application

Your Financial Information

AMFS scholarship eligibility is based off recent Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines for free/reduced lunch prices. Please answer the questions below so the AMFS can determine if you qualify. If these sections are left blank, we may not be able to consider you for scholarship.

Please Note: There is not enough scholarship aid to meet the needs of all Beginning Strings students. Not all applicants will be granted tuition and/or instrument scholarships. Completing this application does not guarantee you a scholarship for Beginning Strings.

What is your household size? (Household size is the number of members in your household supported by your income.)

How many dependents (kids) are in the IMMEDIATE family under age 23? (Do NOT include parents/guardians in this count.)

What is your household's monthly gross income? (Gross income is your household's total income received before taxes and deductions.)

$2,461 or less

$3,337 or less

$4,212 or less

$5,088 or less

$5,964 or less

$6,839 or less

$7,715 or less

More than $8,591

Does your child qualify for free or reduced-priced meals at school, according to Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines?

Yes

Please describe your need for a Tuition and/or Instrument scholarship. Please include any details that might be helpful in determining your level of need. For example:
- Employment status
- Debt
- Other costs

Scholarship Policies and Agreement

Tuition Scholarship Participation Policy

Students who receive a tuition scholarship are REQUIRED to participate in the entirety of the Beginning Strings program. Please be sure you can commit to Beginning Strings for the duration of the program this school year (Mid-October through early May) before requesting a tuition scholarship.

If a scholarship student leaves or stops participating in Beginning Strings before the end of the program, they may be required to pay back the tuition scholarship they were granted.

Instrument Scholarship Policy

All families are eligible to apply for an instrument scholarship to use an AMFS-owned instrument for the duration of the school year, while enrolled in Beginning Strings.

If you are granted an instrument scholarship to use an AMFS-owned instrument during Beginning Strings this school year, please note that this instrument remains property of the AMFS and will need to be returned to the AMFS in good condition at the end of this year's Beginning Strings program.

Students have the option to check out instruments for summer use at the end of the Beginning Strings program in May, pending an instrument condition check and approval by the AMFS Director of Education and Community Programs.

If you are granted an instrument scholarship, you and your family are responsible for damage and the cost of repairs to the instrument, outside of normal wear and tear.

I have read and understand the Tuition Scholarship Participation Policy and/or the Instrument Scholarship Policy. By submitting this application, I certify that I agree with these terms.

I Agree

Questions? Contact us!

Lindsay Bobyak
Director of Education and Community Programs
lbobyak@aspenmusic.org
970 205 5055

Photography Note: Throughout the summer and school year, the AMFS staff photographers take photos/videos of select Festival for Kids and AMFS Education events, including during classes and performances of Beginning Strings, Chamber Music Lab, Lead Guitar, and Maroon Bel Canto Choirs. By attending the events and/or registering students for these programs, parents and/or legal guardians give permission for their child’s likeness to be used in photographs, video, or any media created and distributed by the AMFS or AMFS-approved entities. If you do not wish your child's likeness to be used in photographs, video, or any forms of media by the AMFS, please contact education@aspenmusic.org and include "Photo/Media Opt-Out" in the email subject field.

AfterWorks 2026-2027: BEGINNING STRINGS Registration Form

BASALT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 14 Wednesdays, 2:05-3:35 PM

As of 2:30pm on 8/20 we are on a waitlist for the beginner class at BES! You may still register for this class and we will let you know in 1-2 weeks if we can get you in, or you can register at Aspen Elementary or Cornerstone Christian Schools on Mondays.

CRYSTAL RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 15 Thursdays, 3:20-4:50 PM

GLENWOOD SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 15 Thursdays, 3:35-5:05 PM ​​​​​SOPRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 13 Tuesdays, 3:35-5:05 PM

BASALT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 14
Wednesdays, 2:05-3:35 PM

CRYSTAL RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 15
Thursdays, 3:20-4:50 PM

GLENWOOD SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 15
Thursdays, 3:35-5:05 PM

SOPRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Classes start October 13
Tuesdays, 3:35-5:05 PM