Every summer, students from all over the United States and abroad, come together to participate in the National Symphony Orchestra's Summer Music Institute. The tuition-free program is designed to expose and prepare students for a 21st century career in music through individualized training and rich experiences to empower students as leaders and thinkers in their chosen fields, while reducing barriers to access.

National Symphony Orchestra Education desires to raise up the coming generation of music professionals to be powerful change-makers in an orchestral world with equity and inclusion, racial and gender diversity, and assurances of safety and belonging. We want to develop musicians who will:

• Have both a strong classical base and multi-genre facility
• Make informed career decisions in the future;
• Become healthy, lasting musicians;
• Lead in their chosen pathways;
• Be empowered in their individual artistic expression; and
• Engage with the world as Citizen Artists.

Sunday, June 7 - Monday, June 29, 2026 

Students will receive:

• Private lessons taught by a member of the National Symphony Orchestra 
• Chamber music coaching by NSO musicians  
• Master classes and seminars 
• Side-by-side orchestra rehearsal(s) with the NSO  
• Attendance at selected rehearsals and performances of the NSO 
• Participation in the NSO Summer Music Institute Orchestra 
• Performance opportunities in DC metropolitan area 
• Exposure to internationally-renowned conductors, soloists, and musicians
• Click here to see a selected list of past faculty members.

Scholarships

Each student accepted into the program attends SMI on a tuition-free scholarship, which includes all activity, instruction, housing, and local transportation. This scholarship does not include round-trip transportation to and from Washington, DC or the cost of food.

Financial Aid

Students will indicate their request for financial aid within the application. Upon acceptance, any student who requested financial aid will be contacted for further information.

Application Requirements

The Program is open, by recorded video audition, to students ages 15-20 who are seriously considering music as a career and willing to devote themselves to a well-rounded musical education. Submitted recordings must be video files; no audio files will be accepted.

• Orchestral excerpts for instrument (Video Recording)
• Solo piece not to exceed 20 minutes in length. It may include, but does not require, piano accompaniment (Video Recording)
• Two essay questions (Choice of Written or Video Recording Responses)
• One Recommendation from music teacher or conductor

Application Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026. A $30 non-refundable application fee is due upon application submission (contact us if you need to request a fee waiver due to financial circumstances, we will be glad to work with you). Students will be notified of the results by the end of March 2026.

SMI 2026 Orchestral Excerpts: 

Instrument Eligibility

Students who play any of the following instruments are eligible to apply for SMI: violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and harp.

Percussionists who live locally may apply to perform with the NSO Summer Music Institute Orchestra, and receive the following components of the program. Housing is not provided. While there are no specific excerpt requirements for percussion, we ask that you submit up to two video samples of orchestral repertoire.

• Participation in rehearsals and full-orchestra performances of SMI orchestra.
• Sectional rehearsals coached by NSO musicians
• Side-by-side rehearsal(s) with the NSO
• Observation of NSO-led master classes
• Participation in select enrichment courses and seminars

Pianists who live locally are eligible to apply as part of the chamber program and receive the following components of the program. Housing is not provided. While there are no specific excerpt requirements for piano, we ask that you submit two video samples: one of solo repertoire and one of chamber repertoire.

• Chamber rehearsals and performances coached by NSO musicians
• Observation of NSO-led master classes
• Participation in select enrichment courses and seminars

The SMI Concerto Competition is open to all full-time participants, but the stages of the competition begin with the SMI application. If you choose to compete in the Concerto Competition, the piece you submit as your solo in the application is your competition piece. The piece must be for full orchestra and must be readily available for purchase or rental. The final repertoire selection will be up to the discretion of NSO Education. Full details for the concerto competition will be shared upon acceptance to the program. Contact NSO Education for specific questions about the competition or repertoire selection.

Full Orchestra Program for Local Participants

Students living in the greater Washington, DC metro are, who may not be available for the full three-week program, can opt for partial full-orchestra only participation in the Summer Music Institute. To learn more about this, please contact the NSO Education Program.

Obligations of Participants

Serious dedication and desire to pursue a holistic musical education are most important for this program. Students selected for the Institute will be expected to enter into a contractual arrangement with the Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra. Students are expected to participate in all three weeks of the program.

All private lesson and ensemble coaching fees will be paid for by the Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra. Fees for any unexcused absences at lessons or coaches must be paid for by the student. 

Citizen Artistry

With a focus on supporting the needs of 21st century students and cultivating the skills of 21st century artists, The Kennedy Center pre-professional artist training programs are committed to nurturing the emerging visionaries who are the future change-makers and culture-shapers.

As an integral part of Kennedy Center Education’s mission to foster understanding and uplift communities, each program provides a space where young artists will explore the intersection of artistic practice and civic responsibility, engaging the world as Citizen Artists.

Accessibility

Questions about accessibility or accommodations? Contact the Office of Accessibility directly at (202) 416-8727 (voice) or [email protected].

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact the NSO Education Program at [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram.

“Providing the Full Scholarship along with the personable and invaluable experience from learning from the NSO musicians and staff in not only becoming a better musician but also a citizen artist.”

“I think the well-roundedness of SMI sets it apart from other summer music programs. Not only do students receive top notch instruction in solo, chamber, and orchestra performance; they are also equipped with skills in professionalism, entrepreneurship, and citizen artistry, leaving them more prepared for the world outside the practice room and performance hall.”

“They allow students to participate in this program completely for free. The students are able to get incredible instruction and guidance from the NSO Musicians. It is a welcoming environment with incredible musicians, faculty, and students!”

“It provides a direct association to the NSO, and to learn from and work with NSO members is a very special experience.”

“It is very focused on teaching, not just performing.”

Hear from some of our alumni about their favorite experiences and memories in NSOSMI!

Danielle, cello, SMI 2021 and 2024

Why did you choose to apply to this program?

I was excited to apply to this program because of the holistic artistic training that it provided. Not only are you able to tremendously grow yourself as a musician in the technical sense, you also learn critical skills, whether that be public speaking, financial management, self-advocacy, or social outreach, that are necessary to exist fully as an artist in the 21st century.

What was your favorite piece of music that you performed and why?

A favorite memory of mine is getting to play the first movement of Dvorak's Cello Concerto in The Kennedy Center Concert Hall with the NSO SMI Orchestra. It was an honor to get to play with my peers in that iconic venue that holds so much history and symbolism. It was an unbelievable opportunity and is a moment I will continue to cherish for the rest of my life.

In your experience, what made your time at this program special or unique?

The mentorship that existed between the NSO musicians and the SMI students was so special. I felt so lucky to receive lessons and coaching from them, albeit sit in rehearsal side-by-side seeing them in their full element.

What advice would you give to students who are planning to audition for this program?

Be authentic and genuine in your application! NSO SMI is about nurturing who you are as a unique individual and artist.

What was your biggest takeaway from this experience?

The friends and mentors that I have gained from four short weeks. I truly believe that these people and the lessons they have taught me will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Is there anything else you would like to say about your experience in SMI?

Thank you for two amazing, unforgettable summers.

Christian, cello, SMI 2023 and 2024

Why did you choose to apply to this program?

Being interested in a career in orchestral music, I wanted to receive mentorship by the musicians of the NSO, whilst obtaining experience in a summer orchestra of likeminded students.

What was your favorite piece of music that you performed and why?

My favorite piece of music I performed was Richard Strauss' Suite from Der Rosenkavalier. I particularly enjoyed this experience because of the suite's wide range of skills demanded for each instrument of the ensemble. Richard Strauss is known for his demanding pieces, and being able to learn and perform the suite gave me both an impactful educational experience and sense of accomplishment.

In your experience, what made your time at this program special or unique?

This program was special for me as the training received directly translates into the career I am pursuing, which is in orchestral playing. The mentorship received by the NSO musicians leaves a lasting impact in the way I practice everyday and the career decisions I make.

What advice would you give to students who are planning to audition for this program?

I would advise to practice with metronome heavily, keeping a consistent sound that would blend in well with an ensemble. Being an orchestral institute, it is important to be able to blend in with colleagues. For the orchestral excerpts, I would especially advice students to listen to different ensembles playing the entire pieces, as it naturally instills musicality in the listener. Another point is to have fun and to view the audition itself as educational! These excerpts and the overall process of applying for this institute, will be repeated very similarly in the future for most all aspiring musicians. Its great to get used to it now, and embrace the challenges auditions hold.

What was your biggest takeaway from this experience?

My biggest takeaway from the program is that the fellow students I was working with both years at NSO SMI will be my colleagues in the future. This created a beautiful structure of support between all of the students, and I keep this in mind when studying at university and performing in gigs outside.

Are there any recent accomplishments that you would like to share?

I was accepted into Sphinx Organizations NAAS Audition Intensive 2024 at the New World Center in Miami, and I was also accepted into the substitute list of Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra 2024. I have performed with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra from 2023-present.

Is there anything else you would like to say about your experience in SMI?

Being able to perform at such a legendary performing arts center was a deeply humbling experience, and I am truly grateful for the institute's generosity which enabled me to attend such a rewarding program. It has given me infinite inspiration to pursue my dreams.

When is the program? Can I attend only a portion of the program?

The program dates for 2026 are Sunday, June 7 - Monday, June 29, 2026. Students committed to the program are required to attend and fully participate for the three weeks. Students who live locally in the greater Washington, DC area but are not available for the full three-week program can opt for partial orchestra-only participation in the Summer Music Institute. To learn more about this, please contact [email protected].

What is the available housing for students who do not live locally?

Students who do not live locally will be housed in a triple occupancy hotel room located within a convenient 15-minute walk from the Kennedy Center and supervised by Resident Assistants. The hotel rooms are equipped with kitchens and supplies. The Kennedy Center shuttle is also available by the Foggy Bottom-GWU metro station and runs on a 15-minute rotation schedule. Students will be responsible for their own meals, which they may prepare in their in-room kitchenette. Meals are also available for purchase at the Kennedy Center café.

Where does the Summer Music Institute rehearse?

The Summer Music Institute rehearses in various locations on the Kennedy Center campus, including the Kennedy Center Concert Hall and rehearsal spaces of the REACH. Most rehearsals take place in backstage areas and the REACH.

When are admissions decisions made?

Applications are due January 30, 2026. Admissions decisions will be released in March 2026.

Is there a waitlist?

There is a waitlist. Students who are selected for the waitlist will be notified of this status when admission decisions are shared in March. Students can be accepted from the waitlist at any time before the program’s start date in June, but most acceptances occur in late March and April.

May I include supplemental information about my musical and/or personal accomplishments?

Yes, there is a space on the application form to add this information.

May I apply with more than one instrument?

Yes, but please submit an individual application for each instrument. You may be required to use more than one email address.

Are international students eligible to apply for SMI?

International students are eligible to apply. All visa needs are the responsibility of the applicant.

Does my audition video need to be completed in one take?

Individual components of the audition can be filmed in separate videos and edited together into one video for the audition submission.

My child is turning 15 after the program start date. Are they still eligible to audition?

Students must be age 15 or older when the program begins.

What music does the Summer Music Institute perform?

The repertoire of the Summer Music Institute will vary year to year. Select orchestral repertoire from recent years includes:

• Debussy – Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
• Stravinsky – The Firebird Suite
• Mozart – Overture to The Magic Flute
• Wagner – Tristan und Isolde: Prelude und Liebestod
• Carlos Simon – Four Black American Dances (Mvt 1, Ring Shout)
• Gabriela Lena Frank – The Mestizo Waltz, from Three Latin American Dances
• Brahms – Symphony No. 2
• Ravel – La Valse
• Errolyn Wallen – Photography (Mvt I, Vivace)

What fees/costs should I anticipate for this program?

The Summer Music Institute is a tuition-free program, meaning that all activity, instruction, housing, and local transportation during the course of the program is covered. Transportation to Washington, DC, as well as the cost of food during your time here, is not covered by the program. There is also a $30 non-refundable application fee that is due upon submission of the application.

What financial aid is available to help cover these additional costs?

Students will indicate their request for financial aid within the application. Upon acceptance, any student who requested financial aid will be contacted for further information. If an applicant needs to request a waiver for the $30 fee, please contact us at [email protected].

The Vice President of Education is generously endowed by the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation.

Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Genesis Inspiration Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;

Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..

The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.