About The String Project

The String Project exists to provide children and youth quality ensemble-based learning experiences

Sarah Ruff is Assistant Professor of Music and Orchestra Director at Oakwood University. Originally from Wolverhampton, England, she began her musical studies in piano and violin through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and performed with the Wolverhampton Youth Symphony and Wolverhampton Grammar School Orchestra. After moving to the United States at the age of twelve, she continued her musical studies and later received a scholarship to major in Music Education and study violin at the University of Miami. She holds a Master of Music from Boston University, a Master of Arts from Nova Southeastern University, and has almost completed a Ph.D in Music Education from Liberty University.

With more than two decades of experience in music education, Sarah has taught across multiple disciplines and is the founder of The String Project, a community-based initiative that provides free string instruction to children and youth in North Alabama. Her work centers on expanding access to music education, particularly for underserved communities, through ensemble learning, mentorship, and community-based music-making.