Meet the Directors
Dr. Ames Asbell, Director
Dr. Asbell is Associate Professor of Viola at Texas State. She administers the String Project program, including registration and payments, teacher assignments, attendance, events, etc.
Her teaching at Texas State includes private instruction for the viola studio, and she loves coaching chamber music when possible. She also currently serves as President of the American Viola Society.
Dr. Karla Hamelin, Master Teacher
Dr. Hamelin is Professor of Instruction at Texas State University. She provides string pedagogy training, teaching support, and feedback for String Project teachers and assists teachers and students in weekly group classes.
She teaches the cello studio at Texas State and also coaches the Graduate String Trio. She is also currently serving as Graduate Adviser for the Texas State School of Music.
Dr. Elizabeth Chappell, String Project Advisor
In Fall 2026, the Texas State School of Music welcomes String Music Education Specialist Dr. Elizabeth Chappell to the Texas State faculty. Dr. Chappell brings a wealth of String Music Education experience with her, as well as a research focus on music education opportunities in Title I schools and historical string pedagogues. She has previously served on the faculties of the University of North Texas and Texas Tech University, and worked with String Projects on both of those campuses. We can’t wait to learn from her!