AltStrings Academy is an online membership community and school for adults learning stringed instruments.

Many adults find learning music to be difficult due to limited resources like time and money, as well as limited access to high-quality music education designed specifically for adults. AltStrings Academy helps to meet that need for adults learning violin, fiddle, viola, and cello by providing group classes, office hours, and recorded lessons for less than the cost of one private lesson per month. Although the platform is based online, the ASA community is one that reaches into the physical world, as students are making friends on the platform that they see at music camps and other live events. It’s a real community, creating real results and changing lives by helping people find enjoyment, purpose, and connection.

Music is about people.

We play music because we want expressive connection with others.

The skills you learn in AltStrings Academy will allow you to step into jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances with confidence and ease.

Connecting with instructors and like-minded community members will help you stay motivated, and give you the clarity to tackle what’s next.

Real support. Real results. Not just another online course you won’t use.

When you join AltStrings Academy, you tell us about your experience, interests, and goals.

Caroline takes your answers and curates the contents of the Academy into a Practice Plan with one goal in mind: to turn you into the musician you’ve always wanted to be.

As you work through your practice plan and engage more with the Academy, Caroline will alter your practice plan to meet your changing needs and growing skills.

Want to work on something that’s not in the Academy yet? No problem! Just let Caroline know, and she’ll make you a custom lesson for it.

Get feedback on your work in Office Hours (the best deal in the whole Academy!) and get your questions answered. Is something getting in your way? Are you struggling with a particular part no matter what you try? No question is too big or small for this individual forum.

Finally, show off your learned music in monthly Performance Class opportunities (optional, of course, but highly recommended!)

We are here to support you! You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.

“AltStrings is a gem. I have learned more in two months than two years of lessons.”

Sherrill Beck, member

Adults don’t learn the way kids do.

Hi, I’m Caroline! I created AltStrings Academy to fill the huge gap in support for adults learning to play stringed instruments.

In my 25 years of experience teaching adults, I’ve learned what gets results for busy people who don’t have time to waste figuring things out on their own.

I grew up playing classical music, traditional fiddle styles, and jazz. I have degrees and certifications in playing, teaching and writing music. Along the way I have won competitions on local, national and international stages.

I’ve also coached students through auditions, competitions, and performance situations of all kinds. I have figured out what is useful for you to know, and what isn’t. In short, I went to music school so you don’t have to!

When you join AltStrings Academy, you get my personalized recommendations and feedback every step of the way, so you can feel confident you’re on the right path.

“I’ve tried other violin subscription programs before. AltStrings is by far the best, and the best value […] try it… you will not be disappointed!”

Rebecca Golling, member