About Us
The Milwaukee Center for Strings was founded in 1991 as a continuation of the late Sr. Noraleen Rettinger's work in the "Junior Strings Program" of Mount Mary College. Our purpose is to provide quality
string instrument education throughout the Milwaukee area. To achieve 
this we've assembled skilled and diverse faculty members that come from many different backgrounds and training, providing all levels of instruction for our students.
Private Lessons
Milwaukee Center for Strings offers weekly private lessons to our registered students in 30, 45 or 60-minute increments. MCS is proud to have faculty who are trained in a variety of pedagogical methods, including Suzuki, Rolland and traditional. For more information and to arrange lesson times, please contact teachers individually (see Faculty Bios for individual contact information).Group Lessons
Group classes for younger students emphasizing music from Suzuki Violin and Viola Books 1, 2 and 3 are offered but are not required as part of our program. Groups meet on Saturday mornings and perform at least once every semester.
Performances
Center for Strings students have ample performance activities including the Sr. Noraleen
Memorial Scholarship competition and honors recital, our spring solo recitals, and at least two group performances
throughout the year. We strongly encourage students to perform with an accompanist when applicable,
and will provide one for all concerts (students using a MCS accompanist pay will an Accompanist Fee for the service).
In addition to student performances, each year the Milwaukee Center for Strings faculty hold their own recitals. These often feature pieces that MCS students are currently learning, thereby enhancing the students’ understanding of their pieces. This year, taking the place of separate faculty recitals, the MCS teachers will instead perform short solo and chamber works at the conclusion of various student concerts throughout the year. The only way to not miss these faculty performances is by making sure to not miss any of the student performances!
Music Makers: Strolling Strings of Wisconsin
MCS sister organization, Music Makers, was founded in 1986
to foster the intellectual, social, and psychological growth of young people. Through music, students learn
the values of commitment, cooperation, responsibility, and pride in accomplishment. Appreciation and respect
between urban and suburban young people of diverse backgrounds is central to this non-competitive program, which brings
together spirited young musicians from the Greater Milwaukee area.
The year-round program includes weekly rehearsals, semi-professional performances, career education, summer camp, travel, and training in instrumental technique. To learn more about Music Makers call (414) 771-1214.