StringsPop! is a pop music arranging approach for tweens, teens and teachers of string instruments. This innovative pedagogy is an experiential romp through applied music theory, inspired by the score of your favorite pop song.
Learn how to play & arrange any pop song on your string instrument
StringsPop workshops build music literacy in classically trained teens and tweens. Students gain a solid understanding of chords, functional harmony, and compositional layers by crafting melodies with bass lines, harmony parts, and percussion elements.
And it’s fun! Students create multi-layer recordings of their projects to share with family and friends, connecting generations of music-lovers with popular songs from the last 50+ years.
Collaborate with friends from around the world
StringsPop offers monthly online workshop classes and an immersive 2-week online summer camp. Students exchange projects with peers and get feedback from teachers between classes.
Exclusive course materials include custom handouts, project guides, technology assistance, video backing tracks, tutorials, and more! StringsPop faculty also mentor aspiring songwriters in writing and producing their original songs.
Unlock the portal to your creativity – Additional Offerings for 2024!
Creative Music Literacy Part 3: Songwriting and Composition. A teacher training course available for SAA enrichment credit, offered in collaboration with Suzuki Music Association of California. Co-taught by Michael McLean and Carrie Salisbury Teachers can register here to take the course
Creative Music Literacy Part 4: Use the Right Tool for the Job. A teacher training course available for SAA enrichment credit, offered in collaboration with Suzuki Music Association of California. Co-taught by Michael McLean and Carrie Salisbury Teachers can register here to take the course
Creative Music Literacy workshop and presentation: SAA/ASTA conference March 21 at 6:00pm, Louisville Kentucky. Co-presented by Michael McLean and Carrie Salisbury
“…Increase understanding of music theory, and boost confidence…”
I can’t imagine a better summer activity than a pop music arranging camp! What a wonderful way to get kids to practice in a non-pressured, fun, creative way. And it’s a great medium for helping them make connections with like-minded peers. The skills they’ll learn will make them better players, increase their understanding of music theory, and boost their confidence for a lifetime. —Mandy, violin & cello practice mom
“…What an impact on enthusiasm for playing…”
As a teacher, the idea of sending my kids to someone else for pop music arranging is like a dream come true. I never find time for this material, but I know what an impact it can have on a kid’s enthusiasm for playing. It’s a perfect summer activity, especially at a time when things feel so serious. — Amanda, private music instructor, Dallas, TX
“…My child is riveted to the screen…dying to practice…”
Carrie Salisbury is one of the most wonderful, organized, energetic, and creative teachers I have ever seen! As a musician, teacher, and parent, I’ve seen a lot of teachers! Also, she has the personal and technical skills to create online lessons that are as good as, or better than, in-person lessons. My child is riveted to the computer screen and comes away dying to practice each lesson’s new skills. After each lesson, Carrie sends followup materials that make it easy to continue the work on our own. — Chris, violin practice dad
“…Innovative, articulate…meticulously organized…”
It has been my pleasure to collaborate with Carrie both as musician and fellow teacher for many years. I have seen her mind and heart at work behind the scenes of her studio, concocting creative, brilliant schemes that deeply enrich the lives and musical education of her students. Innovative, articulate, empathetic, and meticulously organized, Carrie will be a favorite guide for Strings Pop teens. — Nonie Reesor, violin teacher, Buena Vista, VA
“…Blossom creativity, cultivate connection…”
I am so excited about the launch of Strings Pop and can’t wait to share with my students and colleagues! It will be just the thing to blossom creativity, cultivate connection with other music-loving teens, nurture understanding of music theory, and spread the joy of their fruits into their communities. This lineup of teachers will be loved by students, parents, and teachers alike. — Nonie Reesor, teacher, orchestral violinist, Rockbridge Symphony
“…Pop tunes = ace in the hole…”
My students have always wanted to be able to arrange their favorite songs to play on their own, but it’s really time-consuming for me to teach. I wind up saving pop tunes as my ‘ace in the hole’ for students who are having the hardest time. It never fails to delight them and make them more confident in their playing skills. Of course, all of my other students would love to do this, but we’re always so busy learning region tryout music, chair test material, etc. How amazing that someone is offering this, without me having to go to the trouble of developing my own curriculum! — Amanda McIntosh, private music teacher
“…Magical…”
Calling all teenage string musicians, the whole planet over: you do NOT want to miss this virtual strings camp, hosted and led by the inimitable Carrie Salisbury. She does magical things with her pupils, and makes musicianship fun. Check it out, and please share with the string teens, as opposed to the string beans, in your life. — Julie Berry, parent & New York Times Bestselling author of Lovely War
“…So many flavors of fun…”
Carrie Salisbury, as a performer and as a teacher, is an integral piece of the musical fabric of the Los Angeles area. Her skills as a teacher and performer are on the highest level. What amazes me most about Carrie is her passion for teaching young people and her dedication to collaborating with her fellow teachers. Her success comes because of her talent as a player and as a teacher but also because of how innovative she is. She has so many “flavors of fun” for her students. Her students “catch fire” as she teaches them skills of playing, using technology, arranging music, etc. Carrie consistently gets fantastic results and positive outcomes. This is not only a course that I would highly recommend but one in which I would certainly enroll my own children. — Mick Wetzel, DMA, orchestral violist, Los Angeles Philharmonic, founder of TheViolaPro
