Summer String Institute

NatPhil’s annual Summer String Institute (SSI) is back in 2026 with two sessions on July 20-24 and July 27-31 led by SSI Director Dr. Kimia Hesabi. SSI students in grades 2-12 are immersed in comprehensive and enriching music experience – including private lessons, chamber music, and three levels of orchestra performance.

NatPhil’s world-class staff and educators from the Montgomery County Public School system support young musicians through enriching extra-musical opportunities and interactive music education like music theory, instrument-specific technique classes, and more!

Apply Now

Location

River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation
6301 River Road
Bethesda, MD 20817

Sample Schedule

SSI takes place Monday through Friday. Students are welcome to arrive as early as 8:30 AM, with the latest drop off by 9 AM. The camp day ends at 5 PM, with the latest pick up time at 5:30 PM. (For specific questions regarding drop off and pick up, please contact SSI Director Dr. Kimia Hesabi.)

All classes and workshops are 50 minutes long, followed by a 10-minute break, with the exception of orchestra rehearsal, which is three hours long, followed by a lunch break.

SSI includes weekly private lessons, daily orchestra rehearsals, daily chamber music rehearsals, and multiple chamber coaching sessions per week.

Each week includes two concerts:
Chamber Music Showcase: Thursdays at 4 PM
String Orchestra Concert: Fridays at 4:30 PM

Sample Daily Schedule:

• Drop Off: 9 AM (earliest 8:30 AM)
• Class 1: 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM (e.g. skills classes, sectionals, or music theory)
• 10-Minute Break
• Class 2 – String Orchestra Rehearsal: 10:30 AM – 1:10 PM
• 30-Minute Lunch Break
• Class 3: 1:40 PM – 2:30 PM (e.g. chamber music rehearsal, private lessons, or workshops)
• 10-Minute Break
• Class 4: 2:40 PM – 3:30 PM (e.g. workshops or private lessons)
• 5-Minute Transition
• Class 5: 3:35 PM – 4:20 PM (e.g. workshops, chamber music rehearsal, or instrument-specific coaching)
• 5-Minute Transition
• Class 6: 4:25 PM – 5 PM (e.g. workshops, sectionals, or partner practice)
• Pick Up: 5 PM (lastest 5:30 PM)

For questions, please contact SSI Director Dr. Kimia Hesabi.

Orchestra Levels

Conductors & Faculty

Conductors

• Andrea Cameron (Week 1)
• Katherine Smolen (Week 2)
• Michelle Cammarata (Weeks 1 & 2)
• Tzu-Ching Tai (Weeks 1 & 2)

Faculty

• Jennifer Shannon: violin, chamber music
• Kerry Van-Lanen: cello, chamber music
• Dr. Elizabeth Adams: violin, chamber music, skills seminar
• Additional faculty to be announced!

Excerpts & Audition Requirements

Amati Violin Amati Viola Amati Cello Amati Bass

Guarneri Violin Guarneri Viola Guarneri Cello Guarneri Bass

Stradivari Violin Stradivari Viola Stradivari Cello Stradivari Bass

Select your instrument and orchestra level to access audition requirements, scales, and excerpts.

Tuition & Fees

Note: The $100 application fee does not apply toward the cost of tuition.

Discounts will be made available for Montgomery County Public School students and the children of Federal workers. For more information about financial assistance, contact contact SSI Director Dr. Kimia Hesabi. Qualifying students are also invited to apply for a scholarship through the DC Federation of Musicians.

Apply Now