Summer String Institute

NatPhil’s annual Summer String Institute (SSI) is back in 2025 with two sessions from July 21-25 and July 28-August 1. SSI students in grades 4-12 are immersed in comprehensive and enriching music experience – including private lessons, chamber music, and three levels of orchestra performance.

NatPhil’s world-class staff supports young musicians through enriching extra-musical opportunities and interactive music education like music theory, instrument-specific technique classes, and more!

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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 Co-Director 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 three-hour orchestra rehearsals (followed by a lunch break), 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
10-Minute Break
Class 2 – String Orchestra Rehearsal: 10:30 AM – 1:20 PM
20-Minute Lunch Break
Class 3: 1:40 PM – 2:30 PM
10-Minute Break
Class 4: 2:40 PM – 3:30 PM
10-Minute Break
Class 5: 3:40 PM – 4:20 PM
5-Minute Transition
Class 6: 4:25 PM – 5 PM
Pick Up: 5 PM (lastest 5:30 PM)

For questions, please contact SSI Co-Director Kimia Hesabi.

Orchestra Levels

Tuition & Fees

Apply by April 1, 2025 to receive the early bird discounted rate.
Final deadline to apply is May 4, 2025.