JSMA Strings Program

Tamás Kocsis, Director of Strings

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The Jackson Symphony is making several important updates to The Jackson Symphony Music Academy. These changes are designed to strengthen tuition programs and provide even more enriching musical experiences and performance opportunities for every student.

 

Artistic Vision & Youth Orchestra Expertise

These updates are guided by the artistic leadership of Paul Haas, whose deep experience working with young musicians is shaping the future of JSMA. In addition to serving as music director for professional orchestras, Maestro Haas served as conductor of the New York Youth Symphony for many years and continues to spend summers leading the prestigious Young Artists Orchestra at the Tanglewood Institute. His work with these elite programs reflects a long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of musicians, and that same level of care and expertise is being brought to students in West Tennessee.

 

Strings: A New Era of Growth and Excellence

A key component of the significant investment in string education is the appointment of Tamás Kocsis, Concertmaster of The Jackson Symphony, as Director of Strings. Many will recognize Tamás through his symphony performances, and JSMA is thrilled to have him leading and expanding the string program.

 

To better support each student’s growth, a new sequence of tuition string ensembles is being introduced:

• Preparatory Strings (Level 1) – Beginning students building foundational skills

• Intermediate Strings (Level 2) – Developing musicians, gaining confidence and independence

• Concert Strings (Level 3) – Full ensemble experience with increasing musical challenges

• Philharmonic Strings (Level 4) – Advanced students in the flagship ensemble

 

This structure allows students to progress more naturally and receive instruction that matches their level and goals.