About Independent Strings
Welcome to the Independent String Program (ISP), where we offer a unique and flexible approach to music education. Our program brings together orchestral and band instruments, like violin, flute, and clarinet, alongside piano and guitar, creating an open environment where students can collaborate in ensembles of all sizes and instrumentations. ISP stands apart by offering students the freedom to make music as simple or as challenging as they’d like, allowing musicians of varying levels to work together seamlessly. Through improvisation, students can refresh even the most familiar songs by adapting their approach, rather than playing the same notes the same way every time. Our lead sheet format supports this creativity by tapping into a wide range of musical styles, often overlooked in traditional classical instruction.
Who We Are
The ISP program is designed for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or someone with a bit of experience on your instrument. For those who are brand new to playing, we offer a special class focused on teaching the basics of their instrument. Students with some playing experience are welcome to join all of our other courses. We also occasionally offer age-specific programming, such as separate classes for grade school students and adults, to cater to different learning needs and environments.
Leading the program is founder Jordan Schug, a seasoned cellist and bassist with 20 years of performance experience, alongside Delani, a talented cellist and graduate of Eastern Michigan University. Delani holds a degree in cello performance and also minored in arts management, bringing both her artistic expertise and organizational skill to the program. Together, Jordan and Delani aim to create a supportive, non-competitive environment where students can explore their musical potential. Our instructors have included talented musicians like Gray Pingston (violin), Blaire De Wilde Kohler (violin), Jenna Penfound (violin), Shawn Boucke (violin), Laura Schwartzenberger (violin), and Trevor Lamb (acoustic bass), each contributing unique insights into performance, improvisation, and musical creativity.
What We Offer
At ISP, students learn through jamming, writing, arranging, and improvising their own parts in various genres. Lead sheets guide our musicians to explore different musical styles, allowing them to make creative choices and challenge themselves. Our small ensembles become a place not just to learn how to play with others, but to craft unique musical experiences as a team.
Our Mission
Our ultimate goal is to ignite excitement and passion in our students. When musicians take ownership of the music they create, they feel more connected to it, forming a deeper attachment that lasts a lifetime. We aim to provide an enriching and fulfilling musical journey that inspires students to continue playing and creating music throughout their lives.
About the Founder
Jordan Schug, founder of ISP, has performed across the United States and abroad in a wide range of musical styles, from jazz and classical to rock, pop, blues, and folk. With a Masters of Music in Improvisation from the University of Michigan, Jordan recognized a deep need in the classical community for a more flexible, creative approach to music. Feeling that the competitive nature and rigid structures often stifled the joy of making music, Jordan developed ISP to offer a refreshing alternative, where musicians could break free from these limitations and rediscover the excitement of making music with others.
Join Us!
Are you ready to explore your creativity and develop your musical skills in a fun, collaborative environment? Contact us today to learn more about how the Independent String Program can help you grow as a musician and performer!
