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!

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
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


-
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


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