No strings attached: UT students offer free music lessons through new program The String Project is a nationwide initiative to offer lessons and instruments to children who wouldn't normally have access. It's in its first year in Knoxville. Author: Emily DeVoe Updated: 1:58 PM EDT April 12, 2021 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With no strings attached, students in the University of Tennessee's College of music are giving back. "One of my colleagues brought up the idea of starting a String Project in Knoxville to help connect our school to the community and provide lessons to students who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to study stringed instruments," Dr. Geoffrey Herd, Director of the UT String Project, said.