# NSO Summer Music Institute The National Symphony Orchestra's Summer Music Institute (SMI) is a tuition-free, pre-professional orchestral training program held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC each summer. Designed to expose and prepare young musicians for a 21st-century orchestral career, the 2026 institute ran June 7-29 with full-time rehearsals, lessons, and public performances. ## What You'll Do - Rehearse and perform in a full symphony orchestra at the Kennedy Center, including free public concerts - Take lessons and coachings with National Symphony Orchestra musicians - Attend career-development sessions aimed at orchestral professions - Live in provided housing with local transportation covered for the full three weeks ## Who Should Apply Musicians ages 15-20 who play violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, or harp. Admission is by recorded audition; the 2026 application closed January 30, 2026 with a $30 application fee (waivers available), and decisions by the end of March. ## Outcomes Participants gain professional orchestral experience inside a major American arts institution at no tuition cost - all activity, instruction, housing, and local transportation are covered - plus mentorship from NSO players and performance credits at the Kennedy Center.