String Impact Summer Experience 2026

Program Overview

The String Impact Summer Experience Workshop is a week-long intensive designed for developing string musicians seeking growth in performance, creativity, and modern musical application. Through a structured and supportive environment, students will engage in daily skill development, collaborative learning, and hands-on experience in both traditional and contemporary string practices.

This workshop emphasizes musicianship, creativity, and real-world application, encouraging students to expand beyond conventional approaches while strengthening their technical foundation.

Monday–Saturday, June 8–13, 2026

Beginner Ensemble: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Intermediate & Advanced Ensembles: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The daily schedule is structured and consistent, with each day focused on a different core workshop skill. Students will engage in focused musical instruction, followed by a brief snack break. Snacks will be provided by Frito-Lay; however, families are welcome to send their student with an additional snack or lunch to be enjoyed during the designated break time.

Students should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled session. All sessions will begin promptly at the listed start times. Families are expected to plan for timely arrival and pickup. If you anticipate being late for pickup, notification must be provided in advance.

All students are expected to participate in the full duration of the workshop week.

Location

Arts Impact Middle School
680 Jack Gibbs Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
(Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center Campus)

Eligibility & Enrollment

Open to students performing on Violin, Viola, Cello, or Upright Bass
Beginner through Advanced levels welcome
All students are accepted; audition videos are required for admission and placement
Maximum enrollment: 45 students

Due to limited capacity, early registration is strongly encouraged.

Audition & Placement

All students must submit a short audition video. While all applicants are accepted, these videos are required to ensure appropriate placement in ensembles and instructional groups.

Audition Requirements (1–3 minutes):

One scale of your choice
One prepared musical selection (solo, etude, or ensemble excerpt)

Videos may be recorded on a smartphone and submitted via a shareable link (YouTube unlisted, Google Drive, etc.).

Registration

Early Registration (before May 15): $25 (75% discount applied)
Standard Registration (after May 25): $100
Registration Deadline: May 30th, 2026

Spots are limited and registration will close once capacity is reached.

Click HERE for Step by Step Instructions on how to register.

Workshop Focuses

Each day of the workshop will center around key areas of musical development:

Technical Skill Development – Strengthening tone, intonation, and control
Music Theory & Ear Training – Building understanding and musical awareness
Solo Repertoire – Developing individual performance skills
Arranging & Ensemble Skills – Learning how to create and collaborate
Song Creation – Encouraging original composition and expression
Technology in String Performance – Exploring modern tools and techniques
Recording & Live Studio Experience – Introduction to professional recording environments

Program Highlights

Daily focused instruction across multiple musical disciplines
Small-group and full ensemble experiences
Hands-on exposure to recording and music technology
Opportunities for creative exploration and original work

Final Performance & Reception

The workshop concludes with a Finale Performance on Saturday, June 13 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Arts Impact Middle School.

Students will present what they have developed throughout the week, followed by a reception for families and guests.

Join Us

The String Impact Summer Experience Workshop is more than a program—it is an opportunity to grow, create, and experience music in a meaningful and modern way.

See you there!!

Catherine Willis

Founder, Urban Strings

"There are no words to describe how thrilled I am that Tia and Asa are making their camp available this summer. What a gift for our area youth musicians"

Daniel Gleich

CCS Music Educator

Tia and Asa have been providing an exciting camp to enrich students into non traditional styles of string playing. Ultimately it blends traditional foundational playing with techniques and literature that allow for performance of a variety of genres. They help set the stage for musicians to explore, create, and experience the most out of string playing. I highly recommend this program to any string player at all levels of growth!

Mimi Rabson

Berklee College of Music

Tia and Asa are among my very best students. They are brilliant players and wonderful people. When they told me about their string camp, I was thrilled to know that they are sharing their passion and expertise with rising musicians. Their embrace of contemporary music puts this string camp in the forefront and makes it unique in its class. Their musical mastery makes them ideal teachers and coaches. I wish I were young enough to attend and have the privilege of learning about music from Tia and Asa.

"Increases the levels of their playing, and takes them to a new level in their musicianship all while having fun!!"

Donella Bradix, Parent

Testimonials

S.I.S.E. Videos

All Videos

Trip - Intermediate Violins

03:32

Rockin Robin - Beginner Ensemble

01:37

S.I.S.E. Photos

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Meet the Team

String Impact Summer Experience

Lead Director

Tia Ward

Tia Ward, a multi-instrumentalist and performer, has been passionately playing the violin since the fourth grade. Her musical prowess extends beyond personal enjoyment, as she currently performs for weddings, parties, and various social events. Tia is a student at Berklee College of Music pursuing a B.A in Music Education. She has shared the stage with notable musicians like Black Violin, Bobby Floyd, and Ukrainian violinist Assia Ahhatt. Tia is also an assistant conductor in Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra. She is a two-time winner of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, Eta Nu Nu Chapters Talent Hunt Competition and has received the prestigious 20 under 20 award from the Mayor of Columbus. As the Co-Founder of String Impact alongside her business partner and friend Asa Simpson-Cole, Tia is dedicated to using music as a force for change, hope, love, and peace. Later down the road she plans to build a music academy and continue to teach the music she wishes she had learned growing up.

Lead Director

Asa Simpson-Cole

Asa Simpson-Cole is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, graphic artist, and songwriter with notable collaborations including Black Violin, Naseem Alatrash, and Donald Glover. Currently pursuing a B.A in Music Education at Berklee College of Music, Asa focuses on Screen Scoring, Music Performance, and Music Business. His passion for education extends to his role as an Assistant Director in Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra and his work with the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra. , Asa creates original pieces and values authentic connections with his audience. Co-founding "String Impact" during the 2020 pandemic, he and his friend Tia Ward expanded the initiative in 2022 to include an immersive summer program teaching music by ear. Asa's proudest accomplishment is fostering inclusivity in the music world, evident in his plans for a traveling youth and adult orchestra that embraces diversity and eliminates feelings of isolation for musicians of all backgrounds.

Assistant Director

Blake Collins

Blake Collins is a violinist from Columbus Ohio. He is currently finishing his undergraduate degree at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music preparing for Graduate school. Blake is a long-time member and alumni of Urban Strings Columbus. In his career he has opened for the Grammy Award winning Harlem Quartet and studied under members of the Dover String Quartet. Blake's current teacher is Dr. Steven Sang Koh at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music as well as Internationally renowned cellist Khari Joyner. Blake is also the current concertmaster of the Baldwin Wallace Symphony Orchestra. Blake's current focus is on teaching students, chamber music, conducting, solo/orchestra playing, and of course finishing up his studies.

Assistant Director

Mitchell Franklin

Mitchell Franklin, is an accomplished cellist with over 30 years of experience, and serves as the Assistant Director and Director of Operations for the Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra. He is a graduate of Hilliard High School and Miami University (Ohio), Mr. Franklin is not only dedicated to his musical pursuits but is also an integral part of the Bethany Presbyterian Church choir, where he holds the position of Deacon. Additionally, Mitchell contributes to the development of young musicians as a coach and educator, providing private lessons to students within the Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra.

Sponsors, Supporters, & Partners