Summer Strings 2026 Digital Handbook
Welcome from the Summer Strings Student Workshop Director
Dear Students and Parents:
Welcome to the 2026 Summer Strings Student Workshop!
We are pleased that you have decided to spend this time with us. Our staff of conductors, teachers and counselors are eager to get to know you and to be of service to you during your exploration of music. We encourage you to be open to new ideas and to meeting new people. We all have a great deal to learn from one another! Let the music making, learning and fun begin!
Sincerely,
Heather Lofdahl, program director
Assistant Professor of String Music Education
Welcome from the Youth Summer Music Programs Director
Dear Students and Parents:
On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration of the School of Music, welcome to the 2026 Ohio State Youth Summer Music Programs! We are delighted to have you on our campus to take part in these offerings specifically designed to further your understanding of — and love for — music. Our faculty have crafted rich experiences to engage you as a musician, person and scholar during your stay. We challenge you to invest fully in all that is offered, and to also take advantage of the resources that abound through the program. You will find our faculty and staff to be deeply interested in your well-being while a guest on our campus. Thank you for joining us this summer and, again, welcome to Ohio State!
Go Bucks!
Youth Summer Music Programs, director
Community Music School, manager
Outreach and Engagement, School of Music
Required Permission Forms — Due prior to arrival
Shortly after registering, all parents/guardians received permissions forms via DocuSign. Once signed, the forms are automatically forwarded to the student participant, who must also sign and submit. All forms MUST be signed electronically soon after receipt in order to participate in the program.
- If you have not yet submitted these forms, please do so right away. You should have received the forms via email. If you cannot locate them please email YouthSummerMusic@osu.edu.
Contact Information
Note: Cell numbers are staff's personal numbers. For emergency only!
Youth Summer Music Programs Director
Angela Heck Mueller
Office: 614-292-5495
Cell: 937-307-3498 for emergency only
Summer Strings Student Workshop Director
Heather Lofdahl
Cell: 1-770-265-5074 for emergency only
Camp Administrator
Chris Dent
Office: 614-292-5272
Email: youthsummermusic@osu.edu
Questions about camp?
- Questions about registration, payment or logistics? Email the Youth Summer Music Programs registrar.
- Questions regarding curriculum? Email Professor Heather Lofdahl.
- Also, visit Frequently Asked Questions.
Monday Orientation — June 15 at 8:30 a.m.
Steinbrenner Band Center at Ohio Stadium
Our first day will begin with a 30-minute orientation meeting for parents/guardians and students. Following the meeting, the program will continue for students until dismissal at 12 Noon.
Park in Lot B (located on Tuttle Park Place, Columbus, OH 43210) on the east side of the Stadium.
- Parking in surface lots costs $2.75 per hour.
- Visit CampusParc for more information
- You may also park in the Tuttle Parking Garage — across the street from the Stadium. Be careful crossing the street.
Check in at the lobby of the Steinbrenner Band Center. The door is located between Gates 10 and 12 on the east side of the stadium. You will be greeted by camp staff who will direct you to the Band Center lobby.
What to Bring
- Your instrument and accessories
- Folding music stand, if you have one
- Writing utensils
- Water bottle
- A device or paper for keeping notes
- Wear comfortable summer clothes
- Sweater or sweatshirt, as air-conditioned rooms can become cool
- Umbrella or light rain jacket might also be needed
Schedule
Daily classes in the Steinbrenner Center at Ohio Stadium
- Monday 6/15
- 8:30–9:00 a.m. — Orientation meeting for students and parents/guardians
- Monday 6/15–Friday 6/19 — 8:30 a.m. arrival–12 p.m.
- Monday 6/22–Friday 6/26 — 8:30 a.m. arrival–12 p.m. followed by the finale concert
Finale Concert in the Timashev Family Music Building, 1900 College Rd.
- Friday 6/26 — 12:30 p.m. (open to the public)
- See map below
Since Summer Strings ends each day at noon, we do not provide lunch for campers. We do provide snacks during our mid-morning break. All snacks and are pre-packaged. If your student has dietary needs, please plan to bring a snack with you. NOTE: None of the snacks we provide contain nuts.
Daily Drop-off/Pick-up
Steinbrenner Band Center at Ohio Stadium • 1961 Tuttle Park Place, Columbus 43221.
- This is the east side of the stadium, between Gates 10 and 12
Our staff will be onsite to assist students and parents each morning and afternoon.
- Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. (Note the Monday 6/15 orientation meeting: 8:30–9 a.m.)
- Pick-up is at 12 noon
Public Concert and Parking — for families and guests
Parents and family members are welcome to attend the Summer Strings performance.
This concert will be held in the new Timashev Family Music Building.
Friday, June 26 at 12:30 p.m. — Finale Concert
The program will officially end after the Finale Concert.
Parking
- Park at Arps Garage, 1990 College Rd.
- The entrance to Arps Garage is on 18th Ave. which runs between High St. and College Rd.
- See the map in the section above.
Visit CampusParc for more information on campus parking, including fees.
Meet Your Hosts
Explore our website to learn more about The Ohio State University School of Music. We also invite you to follow us on social media to keep up with our full schedule of free concerts and events, outreach programs, news and more. Some other items of interest:
- Professor Heather Lofdahl
- School of Music Admissions
- Tanya Sparks, recruitment and admissions specialist
- Admissions Events for prospective students
- Subscribe to our e-newsletter OVATION! for news, concert and event updates.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus for Summer Strings 2026!