Basilica School of Saint Mary Strings

2026-2027 Academic Year

Welcome BSSM Parents! Please fill out the form below to register your child(ren) for the Basilica School of Saint Mary String and Guitar Ensemble Program.  

Returning for the Strings and Guitar Program’s 5th year, I look forward to developing the musician within your child. We have a lot of fun in our weekly rehearsals/classes, while preparing for concerts and learning how to play as an ensemble.  All while experiencing the magic of music.

Strings Program

Grades 3rd – 8th

Instruments:
  • Violin, Viola and Cello
  • Guitar
Class Details:
  • String Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble Classes are optional programs at BSSM.
  • Classes meet during the school day with a rotating schedule, as to not miss the same class each week.
  • Homeroom teachers receive weekly reminders and schedules to excuse students from class.

Wednesday Classes | Guitar

  • Beginning Guitar Ensemble
  • Intermediate Guitar Ensemble
  • Advanced Guitar Ensemble

First Day: September Date TBA

Tuesday Classes | Strings

  • Beginning String Ensemble
  • Junior String Ensemble 
  • Chamber Strings Ensemble 

First Day: September Date TBA

Weekly Practice:
  • Every musician and music student’s most challenging habit!
  • Incentive contests and rewards will be offered to make this task much more desirable and rewarding!
Parent Information:
  • “All Things Strings”(our weekly news) e-mailed every Thursday to keep you up to date on Performances, practice incentives or schedule changes.
  • Weekly Parent Reminders: Sent the day before class, delivered to your in-box, to assist you with your never-ending reminders and to-do list.
  • Class Assignments delivered to your inbox Wednesday evenings (Guitar) or Tuesday evenings (Strings)

Registration

Registration closed Sunday, September 27th, 8:00pm

Registration Confirmation and Ensemble Class Lists for registration received September 21st to 27th will be emailed the evening of September 27th.

All Registration Confirmations will include the following:

  • Lesson Calendar
  • 2025-2026 Strings and Guitar Program Policies

Tuition

Paid monthly based on the number of lessons coinciding with the Basilica School’s Calendar:

  • Months with 5 lessons, $175
  • Months with 4 lessons, $140
  • Months with 3 lessons, $105
Registration Fee:

$70 (music, binders, materials, supplies)

Billing of Tuition:

Monthly Statements e-mailed prior to the first class of each month. Payment via Zelle or checks

Instrument Rental and Purchase Information

Guitars (Purchase):

Depending on the child’s finger size:

Questions may be directed to Steve@OldTownMusicSchool.com

Strings (Rental):

Please Note: Students will need to be “sized” at the Violin Shops to assure the correct size. Please do not order instruments online or go to a chain music store. The quality of the instrument directly affects the sound produced. The higher quality the instrument, the better the sound. The better the sound, the more reward for both student and parent!

Questions may be directed to: Julie@OldTownMusicSchool.com

Dates to Remember

  • Sunday, September 27th: Registration Closes

Get to Know your Instructors

Guitar Ensembles Instructor

Steven Rubin

Steve’s love for music became apparent as early as the first grade when he performed on his first instrument – air guitar – where he mimicked his favorite artists. As the years progressed his real talent came to the fore and he graduated to form his own rock and roll band. He has been performing for real ever since. That love for music has proved infectious as he has guided numerous students through private and group lessons, managing classrooms full of kids while also personalizing lessons.

Steve’s teaching philosophy centers around making the guitar a joyful and exciting experience. He believes that music should be an expression of oneself, and he strives to inspire his students to find their own voices through the guitar.

String Ensembles Instructor

Julie Zupan

An active professional Cellist and Teacher for over 35 years, Julie Zupan knows it is her turn to pass on decades of orchestral ensemble instruction to the next generation.

“To see everything I have learned from some of the great conductors translated to the joy of music that lights up a child’s face, is magic! There simply is nothing else like it!”

Ms. Zupan is a second-generation music teacher who learned at the knee of her mother, a nationally recognized piano teacher and career church organist. Building on music and music pedagogy being in her blood, she advanced her own career with conservatory training.

Ms. Zupan is energized to pass on her knowledge to the Basilica School of Saint Mary community. She understands that with a lot of patience, teaching from love and a large measure of skill, every student can be ushered into the fulfilling experience of being an integral part of creating a sound that makes for an excellent string ensemble.

Music brightens every smile – and a young musician’s soul

Enroll Now

Contact Information:

Julie Zupan, Founder & Director
Old Town Music School
120 South Royal Street,
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
+1 (703) 341 7341
Julie@OldTownMusicSchool.com

Office Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Voicemail and Text all other times.
Your email inquiry will receive a response within 24 hours.