Programs that transform.
From first lessons to scholarship stage — Hammer & Strings Academy offers free and reduced-cost music education for youth across the East Valley, ages 5–18.
Music for everyone.
Hammer & Strings Academy provides free and reduced-cost group instruction for youth across Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler. Our classes welcome beginners and challenge advancing players in a supportive, community-centered environment.
Ages & Levels
Open to students ages 5 through 18. No prior experience required for group classes. Advanced students may audition for the scholarship pipeline.
Instruments
Violin, viola, cello, piano, and voice. String instruction follows a Suzuki-influenced method; piano and voice use classical repertoire.
Schedule
Classes run in 12-week sessions throughout the academic year. Weekday afternoons are available. School outreach programs run on the regular school calendar. Fall 2026 registration opens August 1.
We go where the students are.
Many families can’t get to us — so we go to them. Through active partnerships with Title One schools and Child Crisis Arizona, Academy instructors bring high-quality music instruction directly into the places where underserved youth already are.
- In-school residencies at Title One campuses
- Ongoing partnership with Child Crisis Arizona
- Programming aligned with school-day and afterschool hours
- Instruments and curriculum provided at no cost to students
- Qualified instructors embedded in school settings
From first note to center stage.
Exceptional Academy students who demonstrate passion and dedication earn full scholarships to continue training at Hammer & Strings Conservatory — studying under faculty with Masters degrees and above, performing at the highest levels in the East Valley.
- Competitive annual scholarship application
- Full-tuition awards for Conservatory private instruction
- Faculty with Masters degrees and above
- Performance opportunities and adjudicated recitals
- Proven pathway from community student to conservatory artist
Everything you need to know.
Ages & Levels
Open to students ages 5 through 18. No prior experience required for group classes. Advanced students may audition for the scholarship pipeline.
Instruments
Violin, viola, cello, piano, and voice. String instruction follows a Suzuki-influenced method; piano and voice use classical repertoire.
Schedule
Classes run in 12-week sessions throughout the academic year. Weekday afternoons are available. School outreach programs run on the regular school calendar. Fall 2026 registration opens August 1.
Locations
Group classes are held at the Academy studio and partner community centers across Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler. Outreach programs take place at Title One partner campuses and Child Crisis Arizona facilities throughout the East Valley.
Your gift funds these programs — and costs you nothing.
Through the Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) tax credit, every dollar you donate to Hammer & Strings Academy comes back to you at tax time — dollar for dollar, up to $938 for couples filing jointly. Your net cost: zero. Every program on this page exists because of donors like you.
Find the right program.
Whether your child is picking up an instrument for the first time or ready to audition for a scholarship, there’s a place for them here.