Summer String Institute

NatPhil’s annual Summer String Institute (SSI) is back in 2025 with two sessions on July 21-25 and July 28-August 1 led by Co-Directors Kimia Hesabi and Veronica Jackson. 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!

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 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 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