Music Education > Music Opportunities> Center at Strathmore

National Philharmonic Piotr Gajewski Music Director & Conductor in residence at Strathmore Music Center

Educational Outreach Initiatives

"Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it." —Aristotle

National Philharmonic is vitally committed to educational outreach and is honored to have the opportunity to promote innovative arts education and music enrichment initiatives that encourage appreciation of classical music and support the musical development of the many budding musicians reached through these efforts.

ALL KIDS, ALL FREE, ALL THE TIME
Young people age 7-17 attend all National Philharmonic concerts at the Music Center at Strathmore free of charge, making it easy for families to come to concerts together and for young adults to attend a live classical music performance with friends. To order free kids’ tickets, call the Music Center Ticket Office at 301-581-5100. (Free kids’ tickets cannot be ordered online.)

PRE-CONCERT LECTURES
All National Philharmonic Saturday concerts at the Music Center at Strathmore are preceded by free pre-concert lectures at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Center.

NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC SUMMER STRING INSTITUTES
Each summer, National Philharmonic’s Summer String Institutes immerse talented and aspiring middle school and high school string musicians in an intensive week of mentoring, chamber music coaching, individual lessons, and rehearsals led by Maestro Piotr Gajewski, musicians of the National Philharmonic, and recognized music pedagogues. Each Institute culminates in a performance that is open to the public.

SUMMER CHORAL INSTITUTE
National Philharmonic, in partnership with the Montgomery College Music Department, invites talented high school singers for an experience of intensive vocal training, master classes and rehearsals led by National Philharmonic Chorale Artistic Director Stan Engebretson and other distinguished faculty. The week culminates with a performance in which the students are joined by members of the National Philharmonic Chorale and other area singers.

MASTER CLASSES
Throughout the year, National Philharmonic invites talented young musicians to perform for and be mentored by critically acclaimed guest artists who appear in concert with the Philharmonic. Master Classes are open to the public, providing aspiring musicians, music teachers, and members of the community with an opportunity to observe master musicians sharing their experience and skill with the musicians of tomorrow.

CONCERTO COMPETITION
National Philharmonic Concerto Competition identifies talented high school musicians who are ready to appear as concerto soloists. Competition winners appear at the Music Center at Strathmore with the National Philharmonic and Maestro Piotr Gajewski in a performance for young students at the Special Concerts for MCPS 2nd Grade Students.

SPECIAL CONCERTS FOR MCPS 2ND GRADE STUDENTS
Each year, National Philharmonic, in partnership with the Music Center at Strathmore and Montgomery County Public Schools, invites all MCPS 2nd grade students to attend a special Philharmonic concert at the Music Center, making it possible for nearly 10,000 young children annually to experience the thrill of the orchestra at no charge.