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 Director of Learning & Engagement 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!

Applications Open Soon!

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 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 Kimia Hesabi.

Orchestra Levels

Conductors & Faculty

SSI 2026 conductors and faculty coming soon…

Excerpts & Audition Requirements

SSI 2026 excerpts and requirements coming soon…

Tuition & Fees

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 Kimia Hesabi.

Applications Open Soon!